Raksha Bandhan is a popular and traditionally Hindu annual rite or ceremony that is central to a festival of the same name celebrated in South Asia, and among people around the world influenced by Hindu culture. On this day, sisters of all ages tie a talisman or amulet, called the rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers. The sisters symbolically protect the brothers, receive a gift in return, and traditionally invest the brothers with a share of the responsibility of their potential care.
📜History & Significance
The concept of tying the sacred thread on the auspicious day of Shravana Purnima is not new. Shravana Purnima is also considered significant to change the sacred thread among Brahmin community. The ritual of wearing sacred thread or changing of sacred thread on the day of Shravana Purnima is known as Upakarma. Upakarma, which is a Vedic ritual, is still practiced by Hindus of Brahmin caste. The origin of Rakhi can be attributed to the most ancient legend of Goddess Indrani which narrates the power of sacred thread, when tied to Lord Indra , resulted in his victory over demons.
🪔Traditions & Observance
In Maharashtra, Rakhi Purnima is known as Narali Purnima . In Tamil Nadu Rakhi Purnima is observed as Avani Avittam , a significant day for Brahmin community to wear and change the sacred thread. In Andhra Pradesh, the same ritual of changing thread is known as Jandhyala Purnima . In other parts of India, changing of sacred thread during Shravana Purnima is known as Upakarma day . The day of Rakhi also coincides with the birth anniversary of Lord Hayagriva and known as Hayagriva Jayanti .
🛕Puja Vidhi & Rituals
A typical ceremony to observe the day of Rakhi involves certain rituals like Aarti for the brother imbued with prayers of his long life, putting red Tika on the forehead before tying the Rakhi on the wrist of the brother. After thread ceremony, the brother is treated with sweets and traditional home delicacies, usually prepared by the sister. The brother shows his affection and appreciation by giving a nice gift, especially bought for the occasion, to the sister.
