Raksha Bandhan 2023

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that is celebrated by Hindus all around the world. The word Raksha Bandhan means ‘a bond of protection’. This day celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a decorated bracelet or sacred thread around the wrists of their brothers and apply tilak on their foreheads. They also, pray for the good health and long lives of their brothers. The brothers, in return, promise to protect them forever. 

Raksha Bandhan usually falls in August. This year, we celebrate Raksha Bandhan on August 30 and 31. 

There are several stories of the origin of Raksha Bandhan. One of them is tied to the Hindu mythological legend of the Mahabharata. According to the legend, Lord Krishna had accidentally injured his finger while using the Sudarshan Chakra. To stop the bleeding, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tore off a piece of her saree and wrapped it securely around the wound. Touched by the act, Lord Krishna promised to protect her always. Sometime after this, when Draupadi was humiliated in the royal court of Hastinapur, Lord Krishna saved her honour. 

This festival is not only limited to brothers and sisters. It can be celebrated between sisters, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relations.