Raksha Bandhan is one of the major
festival in India. It stands for the most sacred and unconditional
relationship of humanity. A simple red thread or a colorfully decorated
rakhi, on a man's wrist on the Indian festival of rakshabandhan can mean
only one thing - that he has a sister who loves and cares for him and that
he in turn has promised to protect her.
The festival of rakhi is celebrated in various ways in different areas of
India. While observed in a similar manner across most of North India, other
regions of India celebrate this festival in their own unique ways. In
Maharashtra and its capital city Mumbai, Raksha Bandhan Day is celebrated as
Narial Purnima or Coconut Full Moon day. Coconuts are offered to the Varuna
the Sea God, as a form of worship. In South India Raksha Bandhan Festival is
called Avani Avittam.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
A rakhi is not mere a string but an unbreakable knot of never dying
relationship between a brother and sister. This simple thread create an
eternal bond of love between siblings. The festival is also associated with
love, joyfulness, rituals, sentiments and pray to almighty God.
Raksha Bandhan falls in the month of Shravana, which is the month when
monsoon season is coming to an end and the weather is pleasant and
beautiful. This festival is also known as 'Rakhi Purnima' across the globe.
This day is devoted to the Rain God Indra and the Sea God Varuna.
Raksha Bandhan Celebration
This auspicious day begins with the rakhi tying celebration. Sisters tie
rakhi on the wrist of brothers and pray for their well being. In return,
brother give pledge to protect her. Rakhi festival is all about raksha or
protection of our dear ones also. Each ritual that is followed on this day
has a significance of its own. The sisters seek love from their brothers,
the brothers seek courage and endurance. People worship the Gods of water,
the basis of life. Rakhi is all about living life in a harmonious manner
along with the celebrations of brotherhood and love.