Rakhi, also known as Rakshabandhan, celebrates the bond between siblings in India. Sisters tie a sacred thread around their brothers’ wrists, symbolising love and protection, and brothers promise to aid to protect them. Planning for your finances ahead by incorporating the Raksha Bandhan in your calendar helps you from overspending stay on track and avoid financial stress. The festival has evolved to include the tying of rakhis between close friends, cousins, political leaders, and soldiers as a gesture of mutual respect and support.
Families celebrate the festival joyously, gathering to exchange sweets and visit each other’s homes.
| Rakhi Date | August 19th Monday, 2024 |
| Day | Monday |
| Rakhi Time | It starts at 10:58 am on 19th August and ends at 7:05 am on 20th August |
| Also known as | Rakshabandhan, Saluno, Silono, Rakri |
| Significance | Festival celebrated in India to honour the bond between brothers and sisters. |
| Tradition | Sisters tie a sacred thread, or rakhi around the wrist of their brothers. |
| Name of Holiday | Rakhi |
NOTE: Timing and date may change according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
When is Rakhi Holiday 2024?
Rakhi is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between siblings. People typically celebrate it in the Hindu calendar month of Shravana, which usually falls in August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
In 2024, the auspicious day of Rakhi will be observed on Monday, August 19th. On this day, sisters will tie a sacred thread called a “rakhi” on their brothers’ wrists, symbolising their love, protection, and lifelong bond.
Significance of Rakhi
Rakshi is a significant festival celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Here are some key points about the significance of this festival:
- The symbolism of the Rakhi: The rakhi is a sacred thread that a sister ties on her brother’s wrist. This signifies the sister’s love, care, and prayer for her brother’s well-being. It symbolises the brother’s duty to protect his sister under all circumstances.
- Mutual Love and Respect: Rakshi highlights the deep emotional connection and mutual love and respect between siblings. It is a celebration of this special relationship.
- The tradition of Gift-Giving: As part of the festival, the brother gifts his sister something, often sweets, clothes, or jewellery . This gesture strengthens the bond and expresses the brother’s love and appreciation for his sister.
- Protection and Security: The festival emphasises the brother’s responsibility to protect and support his sister. The rakhi symbolizes a sacred thread that binds the brother to the duty of care and safeguarding.
- Harmony in the Family: Rakhi promotes harmony, unity, and goodwill within the family. Siblings must put aside differences and come together in a spirit of love and togetherness.
- Celebration of Womanhood: The festival also celebrates the important role of women in the family and society, honouring their strength, wisdom, and nurturing nature.
Overall, Rakhi is a deeply meaningful festival that strengthens the sibling bond, upholds traditional values, and fosters a sense of belonging within the family.
Also Read: Dussehra Holidays
History of Rakhi
Rakhi has a rich and ancient history in the Indian subcontinent. Here’s a brief overview of the historical significance and origins of this festival:
Mythological Origins:
- The festival is said to have its roots in Hindu mythology. One popular legend involves the story of Lord Krishna and his sister Goddess Draupadi. When Krishna cut his finger, Draupadi tore a piece of her sari to bind his wound, and Krishna promised to protect her forever.
- Another myth associates Rani Karnavati of Chittor with sending a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun, seeking his protection.
Historical References:
- Ancient texts and scriptures like the Rig Veda, Mahabharata, and Puranas mention the ritual of tying a sacred thread as a symbol of protection.
- Rakhi has been celebrated since ancient times, with references dating back to the 6th century BCE.
Cultural Significance:
- The festival holds great cultural significance, particularly in North India, where it is widely celebrated.
- It is seen as a celebration of the brother-sister relationship, transcending religious and social divides.
- Over time, the festival has also evolved to include the tying of rakhis between close friends, cousins, and even political leaders as a gesture of mutual support and protection.
Symbolic Evolution:
- The rakhi, originally a simple thread, has evolved to include intricate designs, precious stones, and even electronic chips in modern times.
- The gifts exchanged during Rakhi have also diversified, reflecting the changing times and preferences of the people.
- Today, people across India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide cherish Rakhi, celebrating it with great fervor, upholding the timeless values of sibling love, protection, and harmony.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rakhi is a timeless celebration of the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, steeped in the rich tapestry of Hindu tradition and mythology. At its core, the festival embodies the enduring values of love, protection, and the strength of familial ties. As we observe this cherished occasion, let us remember the importance of nurturing these meaningful relationships, not just between siblings, but also within our broader communities. May the tying of the rakhi inspire us to cultivate a spirit of mutual support, respect, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of those we hold dear. In doing so, we honour the legacy of this festival and strengthen the very fabric of our shared humanity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is Rakhi celebrated?
A. People celebrate Rakhi annually, typically in the Hindu calendar month of Shravana, which usually falls in August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
Q. What is the significance of the rakhi (sacred thread)?
A. The rakhi is a sacred thread that a sister ties on her brother’s wrist. It symbolises the sister’s love, care, and prayer for the brother’s well-being, while also representing the brother’s duty to protect and support his sister.
Q. Is Rakhi only celebrated between siblings?
A. No, the festival has evolved to include the tying of rakhis between close friends, cousins, political leaders, and soldiers as a gesture of mutual respect and support.
Q. What are the traditional gifts exchanged during Rakhi?
A. Traditionally, the brother gifts his sister sweets, clothes, or jewellery as a symbol of his love and appreciation. The sister’s gift to her brother is the rakhi itself.
Q. Is Rakhi celebrated only by Hindus?
A. Although Rakhi originates from Hindu tradition, people of various religious backgrounds in the Indian subcontinent and the Indian diaspora worldwide celebrate the festival.
Q. How has the celebration of Rakhi evolved?
A. The festival has evolved in its celebration, with the rakhis becoming more intricate and the gifts becoming more diverse, reflecting the changing times and preferences of the people.
Q. What is the broader significance of Rakhi?
A. Rakhi is a celebration of the enduring importance of family, tradition, and the spirit of community. It upholds values of love, protection, and the mutual support that binds us together.
