Raksha Bandhan -- Rakhi Ka Atoot Rishta :

RAKSHA - BANDHAN !

Rakhi ka Atoot Bandhan 

Raksha bandhan is one of the most popular festivals in India. Celebrating the divine bod of love between brother & sister, Raksha Bandhan is also known as 'Rakhi'. Sisters tie a delicate cord of 'Rakhi' on their brother's wrist, pulsating with sublime sentiment and pray for their long life. Brothers, in turn, give them enticing rakhi gifts and vows to protect and care for them life long. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shraavan (as per Hindu calendar), i.e. in the months of July and August. As Rakhi is celebrated as per the Hindu calendar the dates may vary year after year. In 2011 - Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Saturday, 13th of August.  

Rakhi stands for the celebration of emotions and is also known as Raksha Bandhan – the knot of protection. People have a belief that the thread of Rakhi has a strong power to hold the affectionate relation of a brother and sister. Since ages, this festival is being celebrated to cherish the most sacred relation on this globe. The festival of Rakhi is celebrated in almost all the corners of this world and the name of this festival changes as soon as one enters into a new region. India is worldly known for its strong family based system, therefore, Rakhi is celebrated with lots of hues of love and care. The festivity of Rakhi has been showcasing the eternal love and care between brothers and sisters. This festival of Rakhi is seen as a way of expressing your love for those who are always there in dark days of your life. This day starts with tying a Rakhi thread on the brother's wrist by the sister. Rakhis are a symbol of love and affection of sisters for their dearest brothers. Brothers likewise understands the true meaning of rakhi and by extending his wrist forward, he promises to protect her from all hardships of life. Sisters also apply kumkum powder on the forehead of their brother and perform aarti before him for showering their brothers with blessings of god. All those sisters who can't meet their brothers, will send their Rakhi with their hearty wishes via post or by placing an online order. This world will be united as one because the day brings in the feel of togetherness to all. After performing all these rituals, the whole family reunion to enjoy and have fun. Then all of them share the delicious food, tasty sweets, gifts, music and dance. It is a day to remember all the memorable time spent together for those who, for any reason, are far away from their family. Emotions can also be expressed through e-mails, e-cards, rakhi greeting cards and rakhi through Internet. The overflowing emotions of siblings cannot be stopped on this day.

Rabindra Nath Tagore started gathering of people like 'Rakhi Mahotsavas' in Shantiniketan to propogate the feeling of brotherhood among people. He believed that the this will invoke trust and feeling of peaceful coexistence. Raksha Bandhan, for them, is a way to harmonize the relationship of humanity. The tradition continues as people started tying rakhis to the neighbor and friends.

Legends of Rakhi

Number of legends are associated with the ancient festival of Raksha Bandhan. A popular legend of Rakhi from Bhavishya Puran narrates the story of Indra and Indrani. It says that once Lord Indra was facing reverses in battle against demons led by King Bruta. At this stage Indra sought help of Guru Brihaspati. The sage advised him to tie a sacred thread powered by mantras on the auspicious day of Shravan Purnima. Following the suggestion, Indra's consort Indrani tied the sacred thread on Indra's wrist on the decided time. The Rakhi helped Gods win the battle against the demons. From then on sisters' began to tie a Rakhi on their brother's wrist on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan.

Narial Poornima or Coconut Full Moon: The festival of Rakhi is also known as Narial Poornima or Coconut Full Moon. On Mumbai's famous beaches, coconuts are thrown into the sea to propitiate the Sea God, Varuna, who is the chief object of worship on this occasion.

Avani Avittam: Rakhi is called Avani Avittam in South India. This is the time of "upakarmam" and is celebrated in various ways all over South India. It falls on the full-moon day of the month of Shravan (August-September). Rakhi forms an important Hindu festival in South India.

Balev: Rakhi is also commonly known known Balev. This festival has special significance among Brahmins as it is the day on which Brahmins change their sacred thread. On Shravan Sud 15 when the moon is in the constellation of Shravan the Brahmins, while changing their sacred thread, rededicate themselves to study the vedas and pursue spiritual upliftment.

Some of The Sweet Rakhi Quotes for all my viewers on the special occas of this fest --

My sisters have taught me how to live.

As we grew up, my brothers acted like they didn't care,

But I always knew they looked out for me and were there!

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.

A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.

The highlight of my childhood was making my brother laugh so hard that food came out his nose

In you I have found a very dear friend with whom each moment is pleasure and with every Rakhi there comes a sincere wish, that may your life be enriched with every joy and your dreams come True. Happy Raksha Bandhan Folks !!!