Happy Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a popular, traditional Hindu annual ceremony, which is celebrated in India, Nepal, and other parts of the Indian subcontinent.

It is celebrated on the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Sravana usually occurs in July or August. This festival celebrates the love of a brother and his sister. On this day, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to protect them from evil influences and pray for their long life and happiness. The brothers, in turn, give a gift in the form of a promise that they will protect their sisters from any harm. Within these Rakhis reside sacred feelings and well wishes.

History of Raksha Bandhan

The history of Rakshabandhan is related to Hindu mythology. As per Hindu mythology, in the great Indian epic- Mahabharata, Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas once torn the corner of her sari to prevent Lord Krishna's wrist from bleeding. Thus, a bond, that of brother and sister developed between them, and Krishna promised to protect her.

One of the other popular stories of Raksha Bandhan in India is linked to the Mughal period when there was a struggle between Rajputs and the Mughals. Rani Karnawati was the widowed queen of the king of Chittor. She realized that she could not be able to protect her Kingdom from the invasion of the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah. She sent a Rakhi thread to Mughal Emperor Humayun. The Emperor was overwhelmed by the gesture and started off towards Chittor with his troops without wasting time.