Rakshabandhan: More Than Just a Thread
By: truthfultale.in
What is Rakshabandhan?
Rakshabandhan, also called Rakhi, is a beautiful Indian festival that celebrates the love and protection between a brother and sister. On this day, a sister ties a sacred thread called Rakhi on her brother’s wrist and prays for his long life. The brother promises to protect her forever.
📜 The Meaning of Rakshabandhan
- Raksha = Protection
- Bandhan = Bond or tie
So, Rakshabandhan means “the bond of protection.”
Why Do We Celebrate Rakshabandhan?
There are many stories and myths from Indian scriptures and history that tell us why Rakhi is celebrated:
🏹 1. Story of Krishna and Draupadi – Most Popular One
Once, Lord Krishna cut his finger while fighting. Seeing him hurt, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it to his bleeding finger. Krishna was touched by her love and promised to protect her always.
Later, when Dushasana tried to insult Draupadi in the Kaurava court, Krishna saved her by making her saree endless. This is seen as the true meaning of Raksha Bandhan.
🌕 2. Mythological Story – Indra Dev and Indrani
During a war between Gods and Demons, Indra Dev (King of Gods) was losing. His wife Indrani tied a sacred thread on his wrist and prayed for his victory. He won the war with the power of that thread.
This is believed to be the origin of Rakhi, and was celebrated on Shravan Purnima.
👃 3. Supanakha Story – The Hidden Angle
In the Ramayana, Supanakha, the sister of demon king Ravana, tried to marry Lord Lakshman. But he cut off her nose. This event later led to the war between Ram and Ravana.
Some people say that if Ravana had respected the bond of a sister, the war may not have happened. That’s why Rakhi is also seen as a lesson to respect and protect sisters.
🕯 4. Yama and Yamuna
Yamuna (the river goddess) tied Rakhi to her brother Yama (the god of death), and he was so pleased that he granted her immortality. He also promised that whoever gets a Rakhi tied by his sister will be blessed with long life.
👑 5. First Rakhi in History – Rani Karnavati and Humayun
In history, Rani Karnavati of Mewar sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun, asking for help when her kingdom was attacked. Humayun respected the Rakhi and came to protect her, showing that Rakshabandhan was not just for blood relations but also for emotional bonds.
Modern Meaning of Rakshabandhan
In today’s time, Rakhi is not just for brothers and sisters. Many people:
- Tie Rakhi to soldiers for protecting the country.
- Sisters tie Rakhi to sisters or even friends, spreading love and respect.
- People also tie Rakhis to trees or rivers to protect nature.
Raksha Bandhan 2025 – Date, Muhurat & Full Moon Details
Festival Name: Raksha Bandhan
📆 Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
🌕 Purnima Tithi (Full Moon) Timing:
Begins: August 08, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Ends: August 09, 2025 at 1:24 PM
🕰️ Raksha Bandhan Muhurat (Shubh Time to Tie Rakhi):
Starts: 5:47 AM on August 9, 2025
Ends: 1:24 PM on the same day
🔔 Note:
Rakhi should NOT be tied during Bhadra Kaal, and this year Bhadra will be over before the sunrise, so no restrictions apply on the morning of August 9.
The entire morning till early afternoon is shubh (auspicious) for performing the Rakhi rituals.
🙏 Final Thoughts
Rakshabandhan is more than just a festival. It is a celebration of pure love, a promise of protection, and a bond that goes beyond blood relations.
🌼 Celebrate Rakhi with love, not just rituals.