Raksha Bandhan 2025 Information

Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu ceremony, celebrated in India, Nepal, and more parts of the Indian subcontinent. In India, it is celebrated in the Hindu month of Shravan, on the day of the full moon. That is why, this festival is also known as “Rakhi Poornima”.

History of Raksha Bandhan

Although Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated in India since time immemorial. However, it has a pertinent historical importance too. In 1905, India was seeing a rising intolerance between the Hindu and Muslim community. The British had passed the orders of partition of Bengal as a step to curb the Nationalist movement from gaining momentum.

This step was vehemently opposed by several Indian freedom fighters and intellectuals of the time, including the Bengali poet and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore. This is when Tagore used the concept of Raksha Bandhan to promote the feeling of togetherness and brotherhood. On his call, thousands of people, both Hindus and Muslims, from Kolkata, Dhaka, and Sylhet came out to tie a Rakhi or the ‘thread of unity’ with others. This gave rise to a secular feeling amidst narrow communalism that the British tried to bring about through ‘Banga Bhanga’ (Partition of Bengal).

Legend of Raksha Bandhan

There are several legends surrounding the festival of Raksha Bandhan. One such dates back to Mahabharata, where Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on Krishna’s bleeding wound. He was hurt while hurling the Sudarshan chakra at Shishupala. On his part, Krishna too stood by Draupadi when the Kurus were humiliating her in the cheer haran.

Another myth surrounds the Battle of Hydapdes between King Porus and Alexander. Alexander’s wife, Roxana, had sent a sacred thread to King Porus, requesting him not to hurt her husband. King Porus respected her request and therefore made sure that he doesn’t hurt him fatally.

Significance of Raksha Bandhan

On Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties a sacred thread as a talisman to her brother, as an expression of unconditional love, and a promise of eternal protection from all harm. It is a universal promise of a bond that no force can ever break.

How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

For hundreds of years, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a promise of love, protection, and obligation between a brother and a sister. Traditionally, the sister applies tilak to her brother’s forehead, and ties the rakhi on his wrist as a talisman. They exchange gifts and tokens, enjoy good food, and a happy time together. This time is all about bonding, recollecting memories, and celebrating the bond.

Nowadays, many people celebrate Raksha Bandhan not only between biological siblings, but also between friends and other close kins. People also celebrate this festivals cutting across the lines of class, caste, and religion.

Raksha Bandhan Date 2025:

Puja Thali Ingredients for Raksha Bandhan

• Rakhi
• Chandan/ Sandalwood
• Akshat/Rice grains
• Deeya/Candle
• Coconut
• Sweets
• Copper Urn or Pitcher

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