This year….
Raksha Bandhan 2024, the popular Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, will be observed on Monday, August 19, 2024. On this special day, sisters tie the sacred thread, or Rakhi, around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their love, care, and prayers for their brothers' well-being.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Rakhi is an ancient Hindu festival. In 2024, Raksha Bandhan is a public holiday in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. As cited in the first section, the festival of Rakhi celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
The festival is very famous with several cultures in the country as the concept of duty and love between siblings is universal. On the morning of the festival day, brothers and sisters shall gather together with their families. Sisters tie rakhis (threads) as a symbol of protection.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan for Farmers
For the farmer community of various regions of India, the ceremony of Shravani conducted on the day of Rakhi Purnima has special significance. A better harvesting season relies on affluent rainwater. The monsoon is the best time to receive adequate water for farming activities. Therefore, the farmers of the states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand adore soil for its fruitfulness. The same celebration is observed during Rakhi holiday 2024.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan for Fishers
The festival of Raksha Bandhan has greater importance as far as the fishing community of the country is concerned. States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Goa observe the celebration of the festival of Rakhi via various rites. The fishing community wholly relies on the sea for their livelihood. The sea water and fish are positively affected by the monsoon season. Therefore, the festivity of Nariyal Purnima is an effort to please God Varuna.
Rakhi - A Celebration of Change
The rainy season of monsoon also denotes change, which is needed to pave the way for a new one. Therefore, the community of Brahmins in Orissa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu observe the day of Shravan Purnima as Upakaram.
Raksha Bandhan Celebrations Across India
During this occasion, a sister adorns her brother's forehead with a tilak, performs aarti, and secures a Rakhi onto his wrist, symbolising their profound connection. In reciprocity, the brother presents special tokens to his sister, coupled with a commitment to safeguard and support her through all circumstances.
Within the Rajasthani and Marwari societies, a distinctive tradition prevails – the tying of a 'Lumba Rakhi' onto the bangle of the brother's spouse. This practice stems from the belief that as the wife represents the partner in matrimony, the ceremony remains incomplete without her involvement. Furthermore, she shares the responsibility of ensuring the sister's well-being on par with her husband. This custom is gradually gaining traction in various other Indian communities as well.