Raksha Bandhan 2018- Everything You Need to Know about Bittersweet Brotherly Sisterly Love!

Be ready to time travel in the era of childhood as Raksha Bandhan 2018 is here! We all are gearing up for this festival, are you? Before you hop on rakhi online shopping, let's unearth some beautiful aspects of this amazing celebration! 

When is Rakhi 2018?
Do you know when is Raksha Bandhan this year? It’s on Sunday, 26th August (on Shravana Purnima or full moon day as per Hindu calendar).

What does Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi stand for?
Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan symbolizes an auspicious thread that sisters tie around their brother’s wrist ritually. This sacred thread symbolizes “protection” as it’s much more than mere a fragile cotton or silk strand.

During the ceremony, brothers take a vow to protect their sisters. The fragile sacred yarn, on the other hand, is believed to shield brothers from any harm. The day also brings loads of fun among family members as they all gather together. The Hindu festival is known to highlight the beauty of brotherly sisterly love. However, these days, it has gone beyond that and even cousins, nephews, sister-in-law etc. revel in the fun and frolic the day unfolds!

Distance doesn't matter when it comes to showing sibling bond. Sisters living in another country, state or city send rakhi online to keep the essence as well as tradition intact. 

Raksha Bandhan History
Do you want to know when and why the festival of Rakhi started? Here is a list of chronological accounts that unveils the history of this beautiful celebration.
Just like other Indian festivals, the history of Raksha Bandhan lies in various folklores and mythological connections. Let’s unearth them one by one.

Lord Krishna and Draupadi
Before the epic war of Mahabharata, Draupadi tied a rakhi (a torn part of her drapes) on Krishna’s wrist. In return, Lord Krishna vowed to protect her from all odds whenever required. That’s why, when Kauravas were disrobing Draupadi, Krishna appeared and saved her honour.
King Bali and Goddess Laxmi

As per Vishnu Purana and Bhagvad Purana, Lord Vishnu promised King Bali to protect and stay with him. He disguised himself as Bali’s doorman and started living with him. Goddess Laxmi, the consort of Vishnu missed him and planned a way out for him. She disguised herself as an ordinary woman and took shelter in Bali’s palace. As and when she entered his kingdom, he started to prosper.

In the holy month of Shravana on full moon day, Goddess Laxmi tied a sacred thread on his hand and asked him for her protection and happiness. In return, Bali asked her wishes and vowed to fulfil it. She simply pointed towards the doorman and ask Bali to free him. In the meantime, Vishnu reveal himself.

As promised, King Bali requested Lord Vishnu to go back to Vaikuntha with Laxmi. This is where the beautiful tradition of Rakhi started.

The Legend of Yama and Yamuna
As per another legend, Yamuna- the Holy river and Yama- the God of Death are sister and brother. It’s been 12 years since Yama visited her. But when he visited her, she was elated. Moved by all the love she showered on him, he granted her immortality. That’s how Bhai Dooj- Rakhi like celebration started.

The above accounts are just a few references. There have been many historical events and mythological legends that describe the origin of this joyous celebration.
Rakhi Celebration in Today’s Day and Age

The way people celebrate Rakhi has changed over the period, but the essence remains the same. it is mean to honour every type of brotherly sisterly bond. Even those show aren’t biologically related but rejoice the sheer bond of brother and sister look forward to delving into the ecstasy of siblinghood!

A few months in advance sisters start preparing. Even busiest sisters take out time to buy rakhi online for their brothers in advance! Those staying away from their siblings send rakhi online in India or abroad basking in the festivity! 

As a widespread tradition, Rakhi gifting makes the festival even more colourful. Rakhi gift hampers, pooja thali sets, and combos make perfect gifts to showcase your sibling love.

Source: https://www.mypoojabox.in/blogs/articles/raksha-bandhan-2018