Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Shravan month. This time, this auspicious festival falls on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This day is considered the biggest festival of the brother-sister relationship. On this day, a sister ties a protective thread on her brother's wrist, and the brother promises to protect her. Rakhi is not just a thread, but a symbol of love, security, and trust. But Raksha Bandhan is not only familial but also associated with mythological beliefs.
The Tradition of Raksha Sutra Has Been Going on Since the Time of the Gods
The tradition of tying the Raksha Sutra is considered very old. Its evidence is also found in religious texts. According to a story, when a war was going on between the gods and the demons, the demons began to gain the upper hand. Devraj Indra began to fear defeat in the war. Then Indra's wife, Indrani, consulted Brihaspati. Brihaspati said that a sacred thread should be sanctified and tied to Indra's wrist. Indrani did the same. With the power of this thread, Indra won the war. After this incident, the tradition of tying the Raksha Sutra began.
The Story of Lord Vishnu, King Bali, and Goddess Lakshmi
Another major story related to Raksha Bandhan is that of Lord Vishnu, Asur Raj Bali, and Mata Lakshmi. When Lord Vishnu, in the form of Vamana, asked King Bali for three paces of land and took away his entire kingdom, King Bali offered his head for the third pace. Pleased with this, Lord Vishnu granted him the boon that he would stay with King Bali in the netherworld.
When Vishnu Ji started living in the netherworld, Lakshmi Ji became worried. Then she took the form of a poor Brahmin woman and went to King Bali. There she tied the Raksha Sutra and prayed to take Lord Vishnu back to Baikunth with her. Bali respected the Rakhi and let them go. Since then, the tradition has been going on that the bond of Rakhi is above any promise or relationship.
The Historical Event of Rani Karnavati and Humayun
There are also examples of Raksha Bandhan in history. The most famous story is that of Rani Karnavati of Mewar and Mughal Emperor Humayun. When Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat attacked Mewar, Rani Karnavati sent a Rakhi to Humayun and pleaded for help. Humayun respected the Rakhi and immediately set out with his army to help the queen. This event shows that Rakhi is not limited to blood relations, but it also creates an emotional connection.
Rakhi Also Connected in the Friendship of Krishna and Draupadi
There is also a mention of Raksha Sutra in a story from the Mahabharata period. Once, Shri Krishna was injured in the finger, due to which blood started flowing. Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it to Shri Krishna's finger. Shri Krishna was emotional and promised that he would protect her throughout his life. Later, at the time of Cheer Haran, when Draupadi called out to Shri Krishna, he saved her honor with his Maya. This relationship became a symbol of true friendship and Raksha Sutra.
The Tradition of Tying Raksha Sutra is Still Alive
Even today, from villages to cities, this tradition of tying the Raksha Sutra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion everywhere. The Raksha Sutra is not limited to the brother-sister relationship only; many times, sisters also tie Rakhi to their cousins or friendly brothers. Not only this, some people even tie Rakhi to trees, soldiers, or cows, due to which this festival is associated with a broad social feeling.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated not only in Hinduism but also in various cultures of India. In Bengal, it is called Jhulan Purnima, while in South India, this festival is known as Avani Avittam. In North India, Ganga bathing and Yagya etc. are also organized on this day.
As Raksha Bandhan approaches, the markets are flooded with Rakhis. Many varieties of Rakhis are available for sisters. Brothers and sisters buy gifts for each other. Crowds increase at sweet shops. This day is full of happiness and love, in which the whole family is together.
