Rakhi is a festival in India celebrated every year at the onset of the rainy season. Much like all the other festivals, it has cultural and religious significance. Rakhi is a colloquial term for the official name of the festival. As per the Hindu traditions, it is called Raksha Bandhan. This name translates to the bond of security that binds the brother and the sister together. This festival has several customs and traditions being followed from generation to generation. Let us find out some interesting facts about Rakhi in this article.

1. Specifically for Brothers and Sisters

There is nothing like that sibling bond. Raksha Bandhan is this relationship that is celebrated during the festivities. Not only blood relatives but also first and second cousins celebrate Rakhi together. While the entire family is involved, the primary significance is on the bond of a brother with his sister.

The customs demand both of them to be present for the ceremony so that the sister can tie a thread around the brother’s wrist. If the siblings live apart, the sisters usually travel to their residence to perform the ceremony. It is an occasion that allows all the family members to gather and have a good time together.

Both the brothers and sisters dress up and celebrate Rakhi. Raksha bandhan also allows for a better level of socialization which would not be possible in typical family gatherings. Now that the siblings are located at vast distances, the ceremony is performed by a video call, but the enthusiasm is not changed.

2. Both the Parties Fast

Fasting is a custom that some people follow, while others choose not to continue with it. The fasting is partial because it will be broken when the ceremony is completed with sweets. Brothers and sisters are supposed not to eat until the ceremony is done.

As per the Hindu tradition, the brothers and sisters are supposed to fast until the sister ties Rakhi and feeds the brother with nuts or sweets that she brought with her. The brother will return the favor, which is how the siblings will break their fast. The tradition encourages the childhood solidarity of brothers and sisters, where' they would always eat together and begin their day with each other.

3. Rakhi is for Protection

As we have mentioned, Rakhi is a colloquial term for Raksha Bandhan. Raksha means protection, while Bandhan stands for a bind. The basic idea behind this ceremony is to bind the brother and sister together in a circle of protection represented by the thread. When the sister ties the rope around a brother’s wrist, she is praying for his safety, good health, prosperity, and protection.

In return, it is the duty of the brother to promise that he would always be there for his sister whenever she needs help or protection. The idea of safety and good health goes both ways and is promoted by the siblings’ intent to participate in the ceremony. Rakhi is a custom going on ever since the origin of this festival.

Rakhi is a significant tradition in India as it is an imbibed value that does not need any reminder. Brothers are encouraged to stay there for their sisters while the sisters are always there to pray for the welfare of their siblings. This ceremony is extended to first and second cousins, making sure that young boys learn accountability for their actions and learn responsibility to make the world a better place for their sisters.

4. There is a Time Limit

One thing to know about the Hindu tradition is that there is a right time for everything. The astronomy charts are looked at to find the correct position of the stars and planets. According to this, the right time frame for an auspicious activity is mapped out. Each year, Rakhi is celebrated for a different duration due to this particular time limit, called a muhurta.

The idea is that the thread should be tired before the time limit and ensure that the brother receives the most incredible blessings during the ceremony. It is not advised to do the ceremony after the muhurat has passed. The month in the Hindu calendar changes right after the muhurat of Rakhi ends.

Raksha bandhan leads to a lot of traffic jams on the roads on the day of the festival. This provision of a muhurat makes the celebration even more exciting for the sisters who have to rush across the city to reach their brothers on time. The brothers are asked to stay put and not go to their office until the sisters get them for the ceremony.

5. Sweets Are a Must

No Indian festival is completed without sweets. Whenever an auspicious occasion has celebrated, the presence of sweets is essential. On the occasion of Rakhi, the sisters are supposed to bring the sacred thread and their brother’s favorite sweets with them. When she tries Rakhi and is done with the prayer, she completes the ritual by feeding sweets to her brother. The brother, in turn, is ready with gifts to appreciate the efforts of a sister during this ceremony.

The Takeaway

It would help if you understood how important Raksha Bandhan is to the Hindu cultural tradition. It is a busy day from the beginning and only gets more exciting as more time passes. Since everyone involved has siblings or first cousins, both the young and old family members are involved in the celebrations. It also allows for a communal family gathering with much-needed social activity. But at the heart of this sacred festival is the message to pray for the well-being of your loved ones and do your best to protect them from harm.