What does Raksha Bandhan mean

In Sanskrit, Raksha stands for "protection" and Bandhan stands for "connection".Raksha Bandhan, commonly called Rakhi, literally celebrates the bond of good wishes and protection among siblings.

1. What does Raksha Bandhan mean?
In Sanskrit, Raksha stands for "protection" and Bandhan stands for
"connection".Raksha Bandhan, commonly called Rakhi, literally celebrates the bond
of good wishes and protection among siblings. It is an old Hindu festival that
celebrates relationships between siblings, but has also come to designate any
relationship or bond of goodwill and friendship. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated during
the Hindu month of Shravan, a full moon day. It falls especially during the month of
August during the monsoon.
How does it get celebrated?
Being the most important festival for brothers and sisters, preparations for it are
started well in advance. Family members will shop around for new clothes that same
day. After everyone dresses up, the families gather so that they can start the ritual.
The sisters attach a Rakhi, a complex thread that can be simple or woven with
amulets, and attach it to the wrists of their brothers. It is a symbol of the sisters'
wishes, prayers for longevity and protection of their brothers. Then they perform an
Arti during prayer and apply a red tilak (branding) on the brothers forehead.
The brothers made a commitment to protect and care for their sisters. Then the
brother and sister feed each other delicious sweets such as barfis, rasgullas, gulab
jamuns, etc. Indian sweets. After that the sisters are offer gifts by their brothers which
may be money or other things they like. After the ritual, families spend the day
together having fun. The siblings that are separated geographically simply celebrate.
The sisters send the rakhis with a greeting card and the brothers wear them during a
few days.
Raksha Bandhan variations in several locations
The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Muslims, and individuals of
Indian descent. It is celebrated in different parts of India in different manners and
under different names. In Maharashtra, it is known as Narali Poornima. The
Maharashtra fishing community invokes the Gods in prayer for prosperity and
throwing coconuts into the sea. For the Brahmins, it is Balev, meaning the dedication.
They change their holi janeu threads and pray for spiritual upliftment.
Across southern India, Rakhi is celebrated as Avani Avittam. Like Balev, the
Brahmins change their janeu, renew their religious vows and read Vedas, the ancient
religious texts of India. It is celebrated in a similar way in Nepal, sometimes called
Janeu Poor Nima. In the northern state of Jammu, people steal kites, somewhat like
the country does on Janmashtami. A few days earlier, kites of various sizes, shapes
and colours began to appear in the sky, and their numbers grew as the festival drew
near.

2. Legends and myths about Raksha Bandhan
One of the most popular myths ascribed to this feast is that of Lord Krishna and
Draupadi. It is said that after Krishna cut off the head of his enemy Shishupal, he cut
off his finger. Draupadi rushed to bandage the wound with some cloths. Krishna tells
her that he owes her, and that he will return her gesture when she needs him.
Afterwards, in the Mahabharata, when Draupadi's undressing takes place, Krishna
protects her so that she never runs out of cloth, which means that the Kauravas cannot
undress her.
Another legend talks about the God of Death, Yama and her sister Yamuna, a river
goddess. Yamuna was unhappy because her brother had not visited her in twelve
years. She asked Ganga for help and Yama was told to visit her sister. In preparation
for her arrival, Yamuna has organized an elaborate feast. Delighted by the meeting,
Yama gave him a present of her choice. She wanted him to visit her on a regular
basis. Touched, Yama gave him immortality so that he could visit her as many times
as he wanted.
One time, Vishnu had to live in the kingdom of King Bali because of a promise he
made. The goddess Laxshmi wished her husband back so she went to the kingdom of
Bali and strapped a Rakhi on her wrist. When King Bali asked her what she would
like as a gift, she asked for her husband's permission to go home.
Another myth is that Lord Indra has had trouble defeating the demons. According to
different stories, either the wife of Indra Sachi or his sister Indrani, knotted the
protective thread on his wrist that helped him achieve victory.
The sons of Lord Ganesh, having seen him perform Raksha Bandhan with their aunt,
asked Ganesha for a sister. He refused, but Saint Narad said that a daughter would
bring joy and enrichment to their lives. Ganesha agreed and later got a daughter
named Santoshi (Goddess of Satisfaction). She and her brothers had a loving
relationship.
Historical Sources
Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Prize winner of India, wanted to use Raksha Bandhan to
promote and foster links of goodwill and solidarity between Hindus and Muslims
during the Partition. He considered it a sign of respect and love. He hoped that
Hindus and Muslims would jointly protest against British domination and their plans
for partition. The now popular celebration of Friendship Day can be considered an
offshoot of Raksha Bandhan based on Tagore's vision.

3. According to a much debated medieval account, the widowed Queen of Chittor,
Karnavati was in a weak position to defend her region against the invasion of
Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. She has sent Mughal Emperor Humayun to Rakhi,
asking for his help as a brother. Humayun promptly sent his troops to help Karnavati,
but it was too late to save the kingdom.
Other Symbolisms
Rakshsa Bandhan can also represent connections other than the blood. People attach
rakhis and celebrate the festival to commemorate their intention to foster bonds of
friendship, respect and mutual respect. It is thought not only as a festival of brotherly
love, but also friendships and a supportive association.This is what makes Raksha
Bandhan a meaningful and highly appreciated festival in India.
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