Happy Raksha Bandhan

Q: Q.3 Who did Goddess Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana tied rakhi?

Goddess Lakshmi tied a rakhi on Bali’s wrist and became his sister.

Raksha Bandhan is a light-hearted festival which shows the bond and love between brother and sister. Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout India.

Rakshabandhan is celebrated in the month of Shravan(Sawan) in the Hindi calendar which falls in August.

Happy Raksha Bandhan – STORY

Raksha Bandhan is one of the ancient festivals which were also celebrated by gods and goddesses. There is a history behind the festival of Raksha Bandhan. According to Vishnu Purana, when the king of Demons ‘Bali’ was told to ask for a boon from Lord Vishnu then he asked him to live with him in his palace. Lord Vishnu accepted Bali’s request and started to live in his palace with him.

But, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu wanted him to go back to his palace. Then Lakshmi tied a rakhi on Bali’s wrist and became his sister. Then Bali asked Lakshmi Mata what she would take as a return gift. Goddess Lakshmi asked him to free lord Vishnu as a return gift and let him return to his place Vaikunth. Bali accepted the request and returned lord Vishnu to him. This shows love and responsibility for a brother to his sister.

Happy Raksha Bandhan – Why Do We Celebrate?

People greatly enjoy Raksha Bandhan with joy and enthusiasm. It is a lovely festival that brings special magic of bond and love among siblings. Siblings at any age celebrate Raksha Bandhan, it does not matter if they are a kid or an adult.

We all know that brothers and sisters have made a special place in our hearts. The specific connection between siblings is exceptionally unique. The consideration they have for one another has no limits. The affection they share is outstanding. It must be admitted that most brothers and sisters quarrel verbally but in one’s bad time, the other stand behind in support. There is always love and joy in strife. At every stage of life, brothers and sisters help each other and strengthen the bond between them.

Raksha Bandhan is observed to strengthen this bond. This day has been rightly recognized to have a good time and focus on this beautiful bond between siblings. It serves as a symbol of their affection, togetherness, and trust in each other.

Happy Raksha Bandhan – Meaning

‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means bond. This explains sisters pray for their brothers for their well-being, prosperity and flourishing life and in return, brothers promise to protect their sisters in any circumstance throughout their life. Raksha Bandhan refers to the brother’s love and responsibility to his sister and the sister’s love and responsibility to his brother. Raksha Bandhan is not only a festival of tying rakhi to one’s brother and sister rather but it is also celebrated among cousins and other people who want to nurture brother-sister relationships.

Happy Raksha Bandhan – Celebrations

Brothers and sisters start their special day with joy and enthusiasm. They get ready in new clothes and sit together. The sister ties a sacred thread called ‘RAKHI’ around the wrists of her brother and prays for good health and long life for her brother. She offers her brother sweets to eat and in return receives many good gifts from his brother. The sisters receive lots of love in the form of chocolates, gifts, money, dresses and more.

On this occasion, the family members are very well dressed, usually in ethnic wear. During this time, the town market is filled with colourful rakhis and different types of gifts. Every year fashionable rakhis are available in the market and sisters bring out the best in their brothers. The brothers spend a lot of time thinking about what would be the perfect gift for their sisters.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated not only by Hindus but by many other religions. Also, it is celebrated not only in India but few other countries like Nepal, Pakistan, and Mauritius. In Sikhism, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as ‘Rakhardi’ or ‘Rakhari’.