Raksha Bandhan 2024 is a beloved Hindu festival that honors the special relationship between brothers and sisters. This festival usually happens in July or August on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana.
During Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a decorative thread called a “rakhi” around their brothers’ wrists. This rakhi symbolizes the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being, and the brother’s lifelong promise to protect her.
The festival is a celebration of love, protection, and the lifelong bond shared by siblings. Families often come together to celebrate with gifts, sweets, and heartfelt moments, making it a significant cultural and emotional occasion.
Raksha Bandhan 2024
Raksha Bandhan is a cherished Hindu festival celebrated across India, symbolizing the love and duty between brothers and sisters. This festival highlights the universal theme of sibling affection and is recognized by various cultures within the country.
On this special day, families come together to celebrate. Sisters tie beautifully decorated rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, signifying protection and love. In return, brothers pledge to safeguard their sisters and present them with gifts as a gesture of their bond.
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a joyful event that unites families. In 2024, it will be observed as a public holiday in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, allowing ample time for families to enjoy the festivities.
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Date
In 2024, Raksha Bandhan 2024 is on August 19. On this special day, sisters tie a rakhi, a sacred thread, on their brothers’ wrists. This symbolizes their love and prayers for their brothers’ well-being. In return, brothers promise to protect and support their sisters always.
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Shubh Muhurat
This year, Rakhi will be celebrated on August 19, 2024, as per Drikpanchang. Check the table below for the shubh muhurat of Raksha Bandhan 2024:
| Raksha Bandhan 2024 Shubh Muhurat | |
|---|---|
| Event | Time |
| Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony | 01:32 PM to 09:08 PM |
| Aparahna Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat | 01:43 PM to 04:20 PM |
| Pradosh Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat | 06:56 PM to 09:08 PM |
| Raksha Bandhan Bhadra End Time | 01:32 PM |
| Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Punchha | 09:51 AM to 10:53 AM |
| Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Mukha | 10:53 AM to 12:37 PM |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | 03:04 AM on Aug 19, 2024 |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 11:55 PM on Aug 19, 2024 |
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Importance
Raksha Bandhan, meaning ‘protection’ in Sanskrit, is a festival celebrated across India with various rituals. The common tradition involves sisters tying a thread, called a Rakhi, on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their good health and prosperity. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and often give them gifts.
This festival has ancient roots, with references to Rakhi in stories about Alexander the Great and in Hindu scriptures, underscoring its cultural importance.
In Indian mythology, the Mahabharata highlights the bond between Krishna and Draupadi. When Krishna injured his finger, Draupadi tore a piece of her sari to bandage it. Krishna promised to repay her kindness and later protected her when she was being disrobed by the Kauravas.
It is also believed that Draupadi tied a Rakhi to Krishna before he went to war. Additionally, Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, is said to have tied a Rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu before he left for battle, symbolizing blessings and protection.
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Rituals
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a festival rich in historical and socio-cultural significance. It begins with a traditional ritual called ‘pooja vidhi.’ During this ritual, a pooja thali containing an oil lamp (diya), vermilion powder (roli), grains of rice, sweets, and a rakhi is prepared.
The sister performs an Aarti by waving the lamp in a circular motion in front of her brother, applies a tilak with roli on his forehead, and then ties the rakhi on his wrist.
Following this, the siblings exchange sweets, and the brother gives his sister a gift. The sister ties the rakhi while praying for her brother’s health and prosperity, and the brother promises to protect her in return.
How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan 2024?
Raksha Bandhan is a festival with deep socio-cultural significance in India. Celebrating unity and cultural values, Rakhi transcends religious and regional boundaries.
- In West Bengal, Rakhi is known as Jhulan Purnima. People worship Lord Krishna and Radha, and sisters pray for their brothers’ long lives, health, and good fortune while tying rakhi.
- In Maharashtra, the Koli community celebrates Raksha Bandhan as Narali Pournima, or Coconut Day. People offer coconuts to Lord Varuna, the Sea God, seeking his blessings, while brothers and sisters celebrate Raksha Bandhan.
- In Rajasthan and among Marwari communities, a ‘Lumba Rakhi’ is tied to the brother’s wife’s bangle, signifying her essential role in the ceremony and the sister’s well-being.
- In many places, people fly kites on Rakhi. In North India, married daughters often visit their maternal homes, or brothers visit their married sisters with sweets.
- In Nepal, Rakhi is called Janai Purnima or Rishitarpani and features a holy thread ceremony. Girls and women tie rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, while Hindu males change the sacred thread around their chests.
- In Odisha, Raksha Bandhan is known as Rakhi Purnima and Gamha Purnima. Farmers observe Gamha Purnima, which coincides with Lord Balabhadra’s birthday, by tying rakhis to their livestock.
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Raksha Bandhan 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is Raksha Bandhan?
Ans. Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi, a decorative thread, on their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing love and protection.
Q.2. When is Raksha Bandhan 2024?
Ans. Raksha Bandhan in 2024 falls on August 19. It is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana.
Q.3. What are the key rituals of Raksha Bandhan?
Ans. Rituals include tying a rakhi on the brother’s wrist, performing an aarti, applying tilak, and exchanging sweets and gifts. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers vow to protect their sisters.
Q.4. How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated in different regions?
Ans. In West Bengal, it’s known as Jhulan Purnima; in Maharashtra, as Narali Pournima; in Rajasthan, as Lumba Rakhi; in Nepal, as Janai Purnima; and in Odisha, as Rakhi Purnima and Gamha Purnima.
Q.5. Why is Raksha Bandhan important?
Ans. Raksha Bandhan emphasizes sibling bonds, protection, and familial love. It has historical and cultural significance, reflected in Hindu mythology and various traditional practices.
