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1. Uncovering the Ancient Roots of Raksha Bandhan: A Historical Journey
Raksha Bandhan is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the strong bond between
brothers and sisters. It is celebrated every year on the day of the full moon in the month of
Shravan, which falls between July and August. The festival involves tying a thread of
protection (rakhi) on the brother's wrist by the sister, accompanied by a prayer for his well-
being. While it is a widely celebrated festival, many people are unaware of its ancient roots
and the history of Raksha Bandhan. This article will uncover the different aspects of the
festival, its historical journey, and its significance in modern times.

2. What is Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It
is also known by other names such as Rakhi Pournima, Rakhi, and Saluno. On this day,
sisters tie a thread of protection (rakhi) on the wrists of their brothers and pray for their
well-being and health. In turn, the brothers offer gifts or money to their sisters as a token of
appreciation for their love and protection. This exchange of love and protection is a symbol
of the strong bond between brothers and sisters and is celebrated with much fanfare
throughout India.
The History of Raksha Bandhan
The history of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to the ancient Hindu scriptures, the
Vedas. It is believed that the festival was first celebrated during the Vedic period, around
3,000 years ago. Over the centuries, the celebration of this festival has evolved and gained
prominence in Indian culture. Historically, Raksha Bandhan was not just celebrated
between brothers and sisters, but also between friends and relatives. It was also a common
practice for kings to tie rakhi to their loyal subjects in order to symbolize their loyalty and
protection.
Origins of Raksha Bandhan
The origins of Raksha Bandhan are believed to be rooted in Hindu mythology. There are
several legends and myths associated with the festival, all of which have been passed down
for centuries. One of the most popular legends is the story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi.
According to this legend, Lord Krishna was wounded in a battle and Draupadi, out of
compassion, tore off a piece of her sari and tied it around his wrist. Lord Krishna in turn
vowed to protect her and her family from all harm. This story is believed to be the origin of
the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Another popular legend is the story of Lord Indra and his wife Indrani. According to this
legend, Lord Indra was battling a powerful demon and was about to lose. His wife Indrani
tied a sacred thread around his wrist to protect him, and he was able to defeat the demon
with her help. From this legend, the practice of tying a thread of protection around the wrist
of a loved one on Raksha Bandhan was born.
Major Events in the History of Raksha Bandhan
Throughout its history, Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated in different forms and has
been mentioned in various texts. One of the earliest references to the festival can be found
in the Rig Veda, which mentions that sisters would tie a thread of protection on the wrists of
their brothers and pray for their well-being. The Mahabharata also mentions an incident
where Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, tied a rakhi to his brother Duryodhana.
In the medieval period, Mughal emperor Akbar celebrated Raksha Bandhan with his Hindu
subjects. He would tie rakhis on the wrists of his Hindu generals and would even exchange
gifts with them. In the 19th century, the festival was used as a tool of resistance against the

3. British colonial rule. Indian freedom fighters such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma
Gandhi used the festival to unite people against the British.
Legends and Myths Surrounding Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan has several legends and myths connected to it, each with its own unique
story. One of the most popular legends is the story of Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi.
According to this legend, Lord Vishnu was battling a powerful demon and was about to lose.
Lakshmi tied a sacred thread around his wrist to protect him, and he was able to defeat the
demon with her help.
Another popular legend is the story of Yama and Yami. According to this legend, Yama, the
god of death, visited his sister Yami who tied a rakhi around his wrist to protect him from
any harm. In return, Yama blessed her with long life and prosperity. This story is believed to
be the origin of the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Celebrations and Rituals of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with much fanfare throughout India. On this day, sisters tie a
thread of protection (rakhi) on the wrists of their brothers and pray for their well-being and
health. In turn, the brothers offer gifts or money to their sisters as a token of appreciation
for their love and protection. This exchange of love and protection is a symbol of the strong
bond between brothers and sisters.
The festivities start a few days before Raksha Bandhan. Sisters begin preparing for the
occasion by buying rakhis and gifts for their brothers. On the day of the festival, sisters
perform a puja (ritual) and tie a rakhi on the wrists of their brothers. Brothers in turn offer
gifts or money to their sisters as a token of appreciation for their love and protection. The
celebrations also involve singing and dancing, and the exchange of sweets and greetings.
Different Regional Variations of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different parts of India with slight variations. In North
India, it is called Rakhi Pournima, while in South India it is known as Saluno. In some parts
of India, sisters also tie a rakhi to their husbands, and in some parts of Rajasthan, brothers
tie a rakhi to their sisters. In Maharashtra, sisters tie a rakhi on the wrists of their brothers
and also offer them a sweet dish called Karanji. In some parts of India, the festival is
celebrated for two or three days, while in other parts it is celebrated for a week.
The Significance of Raksha Bandhan in Modern Times
Despite its ancient origins, Raksha Bandhan remains relevant in modern times. It is a
reminder of the unconditional love and protection that brothers and sisters share, and is a
symbol of the strong bond between them. It is also a reminder of the importance of family
and the need to protect and nurture our relationships.
Raksha Bandhan also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and honoring
women. In a time when women are subjected to violence and discrimination, the festival

4. serves as a reminder of the need to protect and empower them. It also serves as a reminder
of the need to protect the environment and respect nature.
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It
is an ancient festival that has been celebrated for centuries and has many legends and
myths associated with it. The festival is celebrated in different parts of India with slight
variations, and involves the tying of a thread of protection (rakhi) on the brother's wrist by
the sister, accompanied by a prayer for his well-being. It is a symbol of the strong bond
between brothers and sisters and is a reminder of the importance of family, respect for
women, and protection of the environment.