Raksha Bandhan 2023: Stories & Importance Behind This Festival

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that strengthens & celebrates the bond that brothers & sisters as siblings share among themselves. It holds very high significance among people, primarily from the Hindu faith, as it contributes immensely when it comes to upholding the family values in society at large. It serves as a joyous occasion that honors the unbreakable bond of affection and safeguarding shared between a brother and a sister.

Each year on this festive occasion, sisters tie the sacred thread of Rakhi on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their prayers for their brothers' prosperity and contentment. In return, brothers pledge their unwavering protection and present gifts to their sisters, ensuring their safety and happiness in all circumstances. Raksha Bandhan is also a day to cherish the memories and moments shared by siblings.

But do you know when Raksha Bandhan is in 2023 and what are the stories and significance behind this festival? In case you're unfamiliar, continue reading to discover all the essential information about this captivating celebration.

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Raksha Bandhan 2023 Date

The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the ‘Purnima’ (Full Moon) of the Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase of the Moon) in the Hindu holy month of Shravana as per the Lunar Calendar.

This year, in 2023, the cherished festival of Raksha Bandhan will grace us on Wednesday, August 30th.

Raksha Bandhan 2023 Time

The opportune moment to adorn your brother's wrist with the sacred Rakhi thread is during the Shubh Muhurat (auspicious window of time) which will span from 09:09 AM to 01:35 PM on 30th August 2023.

However, it must be noted that there is “no inauspicious time” to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. The Shubh Muhurat with respect to this particular festival simply implies that the celebratory rituals are slated to fructify with ease when performed during this time.

Raksha Bandhan Stories

There are many legends and stories associated with Raksha Bandhan that highlight its importance and value. Three of the most popular stories are as follows:

1. One of the most famous stories is from the Mahabharata, when Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on Krishna’s wounded finger as a gesture of care and affection. Moved by her gesture, Krishna made a solemn promise to shield her from any form of danger. He later saved her from being disrobed by Duryodhana in the Kaurava court by extending her saree endlessly.
2. Another story is from the medieval period, when Rani Karnavati of Chittor sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun, seeking his help against an invasion by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Humayun was moved by her request and rushed to her aid, but he arrived too late as Rani Karnavati had already committed Jauhar (self-immolation) along with other women. However, Humayun honoured his promise and restored her son Vikramjit as the ruler of Chittor.
3. In ancient times, a notable tale recounts the defeat of the mighty god-king Indra by the demon ruler Bali during a fierce clash. His wife Indrani prayed to Lord Vishnu for his protection and tied a sacred thread on his wrist. This thread gave Indra the strength and courage to defeat Bali and regain his throne.

Raksha Bandhan Significance

Raksha Bandhan encompasses not only the celebration of siblinghood but also embodies love, unity, and tranquility. It symbolizes the bond of trust and respect between brothers and sisters. It also signifies the duty and responsibility of brothers towards their sisters. It also reminds us of our cultural and spiritual values.

Raksha Bandhan is a day that embraces and rejoices in the rich tapestry of India's diversity and unity. It goes beyond the confines of religion, caste, region, and language, uniting people and nurturing a profound sense of kinship and solidarity among them.

This festival plays a significant role in protecting & nurturing the family and moral values in society. It adds a sacred touch to the profound relationship of love & affection that brothers & sisters share among themselves. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to embrace forgiveness, letting go of past errors and misapprehensions, and revitalizing the profound connection we share with our siblings.

It must be noted that Raksha Bandhan plays a significant role in connecting people of the Indian diaspora abroad with their siblings that live in India or other distant parts of the world.

Read More: - Explore What Your Ascendant Sign is Signifying for You this Independence Day 2023

Conclusion

Raksha Bandhan is an enchanting celebration that fills our souls with delight and contentment. It is a festive occasion that fortifies the bond we share with our siblings, leaving us with a profound sense of gratitude. This cherished festival imparts valuable lessons on the significance of love, guardianship, and reverence.

So, this was all about the festival of Raksha Bandhan that defines the sacred bond of affection, well wishes and protection shared among brothers & sisters. We hope that your knowledge about the incredible celebration in the form of Raksha Bandhan has been enhanced or refreshed by means of this article.

Indian Astrology wishes you a very happy Raksha Bandhan 2023!

FAQs

• What importance does the festival of Raksha Bandhan hold in society?

Raksha Bandhan is a joyous festival that commemorates the cherished connection of love and safeguarding between brothers & sisters. It symbolizes the sacred vow of a brother to be a lifelong guardian for his sister, while she offers heartfelt prayers for her brother's happiness and prosperity.

• What does the Hindu Lunar Calendar say about the date of Raksha Bandhan?

As per the Lunar Calendar that Hindus follow, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the “Purnima Tithi” (the Full Moon date) of the “Shukla Paksha” (the bright half of a month) in the sacred month of “Shravan”. This year, in 2023, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on the 30th of August.

• How are brothers and sisters supposed to celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan?

On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a Rakhi around their brothers' wrists, perform aarti (ritual of worship), apply a tilak (vermilion mark), and offer sweets. In return, brothers offer tokens of affection to their sisters in the form of gifts and make a solemn commitment to safeguard and uplift them.

• Is the festival of Raksha Bandhan exclusively for brothers & sisters or can others take part in the festival as well?

Although Raksha Bandhan predominantly honors the connection between siblings, it extends beyond the boundaries of brotherhood and sisterhood. The festival has evolved to encompass the idea of protection and love between individuals, regardless of gender or biological relationships.

• Are there any alternative names for Raksha Bandhan?

This festival is referred to by various nomenclature in different geographies. It is called "Avani Avittam" in South India, "Nariyal Purnima" in coastal regions, and "Rakhri" in Punjab.