| August 18, 2016 |
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravan (July-August). This is similar to Sravani, the scared thread tying ceremony. They are regarded as the two names of same festivals.
When a girl ties Rakhi around her brother’s wrist, she makes fervent wishes for his prosperity and success. In return he pledges to guard her honor and self-respect. It is customary for the girl to tie a Rakhi and receive money from the brother as a mark of affection.
In the days when gods warred with the demons, the consort of Indra (the Puranic King of the Heavens) tied a rakhi (a silken amulet) around his wrist, by virtue of which, Indra won his celestial abode back from his enemies.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in some parts of India as a festival to honour the sea god Varuna. However, in most places, it celebrates the love of a brother for his sister. On this day, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to protect them against evil influences. A day also set apart for Brahmins to change their sacred thread they wear; there are many adaptations of the festival. In Bombay, it is an occasion for offering coconuts to the sea. There are many versions about the origin of Rakshabandhan.
However, on the whole it is thought of as a perfect time for a sister to symbolize love for her brother.