Rakshabandhan is a famous Hindu festival celebrated on the Purnima of Hindu Shravan month (July-August).This festival celebrated in different parts of India. In addition, it is also celebrated in Mauritius and Nepal. This festival shows the sacred relationship of brother's sister, the festival of Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated since ancient times.

There are many mythological and historical stories associated with this festival, which have their own importance. This festival is awaited throughout the year and is celebrated with great pomp. This festival is a symbol of brother's love and care for their sister. In the year 2020 festival of Rakshabandhan will be celebrated on Monday 03 August.

In this festival sister do Tilak on the foreheads of their brothers, after which they tie a Rakhi on their wrist and feed them sweets and wish for their brother and the brothers give gifts to their sisters and take pledge to protect them.

Legend about Rakhi

The history of Rakshabandhan is in Hindu mythology. According to a legend called Vamnavatar King Bali completed his yagna and tried to win heaven, then Devraj Indra prayed to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu became a Vamana Brahmin and sought alms from King Bali.

Even after the Guru's refusal, Bali donated 3 steps of land. Lord Vamana measured the sky and earth in three steps and sent King Bali to the abyss. On the strength of his devotion he took a promise from Vishnu to be in front of him always. Lakshmi became worried about this. Lakshmi went to Bali and tied the Rakshasutra and made him her brother. In return, she brought Vishnu with her. That day was the full moon date of Shravan month.

Stories in History

There are many references to the importance of Rakhi in history. Empress Karmavati of Mewar sent a Rakhi to the Mughal King Humayun and pleaded for protection. Humayun, despite being a Muslim, kept Rakhi's importance.

It is said that Alexander's wife tied a Rakhi to her husband's Hindu enemy king Puru and made him her brother and take promise from him that he will not kill Alexander in the war. Puru gave life to Alexander in the war, respecting the tied Rakhi in his hand and the promise given to his sister.