Raksha Bandhan 2020: Relationships are the essence of any festival and it is perfect for any Indian festival. Each occasion brings the family together. And Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, itself is a celebration of a relationship – that of a brother and a sister. The bonding between siblings is simply unique and is beyond description in words. This relationship is extraordinary and is given importance in every part of the world. However, when it comes to India, the sibling relationship becomes even more special as there is a festival called “Raksha Bandhan” dedicated to sibling love.
The name, Raksha Bandhan, translates to ‘The Bond of Protection’, which signifies the promise to protect. Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the sacred relationship between a brother and a sister. On this auspicious day, sisters tie the silk thread called Rakhi on their brother’s wrist. In return, the brothers promise to take care of their sisters and both pray for each other’s well being.
According to the Hindu Calendar, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon of the Savan which comes generally in the month of August. And Raksha Bandhan 2020 is going to be celebrated on August 3rd. The Savan, the month of Lord Shiva is considered an auspicious period among Hindus, and Lord Shiva is worshipped every Monday during this entire time.
The occasion of Raksha Bandhan involves a pledge of life-time practice of moral, cultural, and spiritual values. The values and the sentiments are attached to the rituals of this festival that assumes all forms of protection. The ritual of Rakhi tying is so important for siblings that they try to visit each other’s place on this particular day in order to bind the family together in an emotional bond of love.
Rakhi is all about the love brothers and sisters share. On this occasion, the sister puts a tilak on her brother’s forehead and ties a rakhi around his wrist in a ritual that reaffirms the bond and support of her brother. In return, she receives a gift in cash or kind from her brother. This festival traditionally endows the siblings with a responsibility to care for her and be her savior in times of need.
Significances Of Rakhi
The significance of the festival can be gauged from the fact that it strengthens the relationship between siblings, a defining character of Indian society. Raksha Bandhan is a festival considered since ancient times and there are several mythological stories that revolve around this custom.
The importance of this festival is so much that the postal department issues special envelopes in which Rakhis can be sent to their faraway brothers. Even though it takes only a few minutes to tie a Rakhi, preparations are done many days in advance. Sisters start choosing special Rakhis for their brothers well before the festival. A brother manages to reach his sister any-how for the moment where his sister would wait with an empty-stomach to tie the sacred thread, Rakhi.
Every member of the family rises early for the rituals that begin in the morning. A special thali is prepared for the puja ceremony and is beautifully decorated with ‘roli’, rice grains, ‘Diya’, sweets and rakhis. This festival also helps siblings realize the importance of growing up together.
Raksha Bandhan day is important for the priests too, as they tie rakhis on their patrons’ wrist and in return receive offerings from them.
Celebration of Raksha Bandhan 2020
The occasion is observed as a symbol of duty between brothers and sisters. Tying a rakhi around the wrist of her brother means praying for his prosperity, health, and well-being and getting protection from her brother under any circumstances in return. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is meant to celebrate any type of brother-sister relationship between men and women who may not be biologically related.
The festival of Rakhi symbolizes the unmatched bond of love, care, and respect. But from a broader perspective, the festival conveys an intrinsic message of universal brotherhood and sisterhood.