What is Raksha bandhan ?

Raksha Bandhan falls on the full moon in Sravana (usually in August). It's a party for siblings. The sister seeks her brothers and ties a protective cord around her wrist. The brother is then deemed to give a gift to his sister and to offer her all protection. This party takes place in the month of sravana (2nd half of the month of August), on the day when it is full moon. This party is intended to commemorate the relationship between brother and sister. This day is also known as Rakhi.

Raksha BandhanZussen go to their brothers for a simple ceremony. This means that the sister ties a string (a Rakhi) around her brother's wrists.

The Rakhi was originally made of red and gold-colored yarn. Nowadays they are in all colors of the rainbow and in all kinds of variations; Even with photos.

The word "Raksha" means protection and "Bandhan" means relationship. Freely translated means thus the protective relationship. The ceremony is preceded by an "Aarti" for the brother. After that, the sister will tie the cord around her brother's wrist, while at the same time confirming their relationship by terminating a mantra in the Sanskrit (nowadays also in native language), using rice and durva grass as a symbol of a blessing effect . The literal meaning of the mantra is: "O brother, may you have a long and happy life."

After the ceremony, the sister stops some sweet, often laddu, in his mouth, on which the brother handed a small gift to the sister, usually in the form of a little money.

The Bhavisya Purana (one of the holy writings) refers to a battle between the devas and demons. During this battle, King Indra (King of the devas) is depressed. At that time, his wife, Sachi, comes with a silk cord and says the mantra to protect King Indra and clings to his wrist. Eventually, Indra conquered the demons. Since then, this day is celebrated.

Raksha BandhanRaksha Bandhan is not really a religious matter, but a sentimental issue. The relationship gets a deeper meaning when the brother grows older: he must protect his sister! In the past, when the sister was married, her family rarely came to seek her because of the big distances. Raksha-Bandhan makes the man clear that the woman is not alone, but when she needs help, her brother (s) can help her.

Raksha Bandhan emphasizes the biological relationship between brother and sister. But today it is also common in symbolic brother / sister relationships; So between friends and acquaintances.

Raksha Bandhan is not only a biological, but especially a protective relationship!