Raksha Bandhan is one of the most popular festivals of the Hindu community and is observed as the day to honour the relationship between a brother and sister. In English, ‘Raksha Bandhan‘ translates to ‘the bond of protection, obligation or care’. According to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan falls on the last day of the lunar calendar month of Shravan. In 2024, Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) will be celebrated on 19th August (Monday).
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Date and Muhurat Timing
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year with enthusiasm by people of all cultures alike. Raksha Bandhan 2024 date is 19th August, Monday and 20th August, Tuesday. This year, Bhadra is in the shadows on Raksha Bandhan’s day. Bhadra Kaal will start at 5:53 am on 19 August and will last till 1:32 pm.
- Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time – 01:30 PM to 08:56 PM
- Raksha Bandhan Bhadra End Time – 01:30 PM
- Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Punchha – 09:51 AM to 10:53 AM
- Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Mukha – 10:53 AM to 12:37 PM
- Purnima Tithi Begins – 03:04 AM on Aug 19, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends – 11:55 PM on Aug 19, 2024
Importance of Raksha Bandhan Festival
Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrated in India to honour the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. It holds immense importance as it symbolizes the deep-rooted affection, love, and protection that siblings have for each other. This festival not only strengthens the bond between siblings but also fosters a sense of unity, love, and respect within the family. It serves as a reminder of the values of loyalty, trust, and support that are essential in any relationship. Raksha Bandhan transcends boundaries, bringing families together and reinforcing the significance of the sibling bond. It is a celebration of the unbreakable bond of love and a cherished tradition that brings joy and happiness to all involved.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan for Farmers
For the farming communities across different regions of India, the Shravani ceremony, held on Rakhi Purnima, holds special significance. A prosperous harvest season depends on abundant rainfall, and the monsoon is the ideal time to receive the necessary water for farming. Farmers in states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand express their gratitude to the soil for its fertility during this period.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan for Fishers
States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat celebrate the festival of Rakhi with various rituals. The monsoon season has a positive impact on the seawater and fish, so the festival of Nariyal Purnima is observed as an effort to please the god Varuna.
Raksha Bandhan History and Significance
Raksha Bandhan 2024 | Raksha Bandhan History and Significance
The origin of Raksha Bandhan goes as far as the era of Gods and Goddesses. According to a popular legend, Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on Lord Krishna’s wrist when he hurt his finger while fighting to kill the evil King Shishupal. Krishna, in return, promised to protect her.
Medieval history has another significant version of a brother’s promise to his sister. When under attack by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, Rani Karnavati of Mewar sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun and sought help from him. Touched by the gesture, the Mughal ruler abandoned his military campaign and rushed to help the queen without wasting any time.
One story tells of Sachi, the wife of Indra, tying a thread around Indra’s wrist to protect him during his battle against the powerful demon King Bali. This tale implies that in ancient India, holy threads might have been used as charms to offer protection to men going to war and were not solely tied to the brother-sister relationship.
During the Partition of Bengal in 1905, Rabindranath Tagore started Rakhi Mahotsav – a mass Raksha Bandhan festival, to instill a feeling of togetherness and love between Hindus and Muslims of Bengal. It is known that he started this tradition as a counter to the efforts of the British to create a divide between communities.
Suggested Reads: Ahoi Ashtami 2024
Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi
Raksha Bandhan, an auspicious festival celebrated in India, involves a significant ritual known as the “pooja vidhi.” The pooja vidhi commences with the preparation of a small pooja thali containing a diya (oil lamp), roli (vermilion powder), rice grains, sweets, and Rakhi. Sisters perform an Aarti, waving the lamp in a circular motion in front of their brothers, and apply a tilak of roli on their foreheads. They then tie the Rakhi around the brother’s wrist, offering prayers for his well-being and prosperity. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and promise to protect them from all adversities. The pooja vidhi creates a spiritual atmosphere, strengthening the bond between siblings and reinforcing the significance of Raksha Bandhan 2024 as a celebration of love and protection.
You May Also Like: Karva Chauth 2024
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Celebrations across India
Raksha Bandhan 2024 | Raksha Bandhan celebration
On this day, a girl puts tilak on her brother’s forehead, performs his aarti, and ties a Rakhi around his wrist, commemorating their sacred bond. In return, the brother gives special gifts to his sister, along with the promise to take care of her and protect her under any circumstances.
Among the Rajasthani and Marwari communities, there is a ritual to tie ‘Lumba Rakhi’ on the bangle of their brother’s wife. It is believed that since the wife is considered to be the better half, the ritual would be incomplete without her. Also, she will equally share her husband’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of his sister. This ritual is fast catching up to other Indian communities as well.
Places to Observe Raksha Bandhan in India
Raksha Bandhan, a beautiful festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, is observed with great enthusiasm and love in the states of Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Each of these regions brings its own unique flavour and traditions to this cherished celebration.
- Delhi: The capital city is a melting pot of traditions and modernity, offering countless ways to celebrate Rakshabandhan. Explore the lively markets of Chandni Chowk, where you can find a variety of rakhis and gifts. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal in the city’s diverse eateries, ranging from street food stalls to upscale restaurants.
- Haryana: In Haryana, Raksha Bandhan is not just about the exchange of rakhis and sweets; it’s a day filled with family warmth and traditional festivities. Sisters tie colourful Rakhis around their brothers’ wrists, praying for their well-being, while brothers vow to protect them throughout life. After the rituals, families often gather for a hearty meal of traditional Haryanvi dishes like Bajre ki Khichdi and Besan Masala Roti.
- Punjab: The day begins with sisters performing an aarti and tying rakhi, followed by brothers showering them with gifts. The Punjabis are known for their love of food, and this festival is no exception. Families come together to enjoy rich and sumptuous Punjabi dishes like Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. The air is filled with the aroma of sweets like Gulab Jamun and Jalebi.
- Uttar Pradesh: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with a deep sense of tradition and cultural richness in Uttar Pradesh. Sisters perform the rakhi tying ceremony, followed by brothers giving them gifts, as they share laughter and stories. Cities like Lucknow and Varanasi are bustling with activities, where people shop for the perfect rakhi and gifts. After the ceremonies, families relish a traditional meal featuring dishes like Puri, Aloo ki Sabzi, and Kheer.
How to Reach Delhi by Flight, Train, Car or Bus Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type
| Festivals in India | Day | Date | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Mon | 01-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Lohri | Sat | 13-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Makar Sankranti | Sun | 14-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Pongal | Mon | 15-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | Wed | 17-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Republic Day | Fri | 26-Jan | Gazetted Holiday |
| Losar | Sat | 10-Feb | Restricted Holiday |
| Basant Panchmi | Wed | 14-Feb | Restricted Holiday |
| Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Sat | 24-Feb | Gazetted Holiday |
| Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Wed | 6-Mar | Restricted Holiday |
| Mahashivratri | Fri | 8-Mar | Gazetted Holiday |
| Holi | Mon | 25-March | Gazetted Holiday |
| Good Friday | Fri | 29-Mar | Gazetted Holiday |
| Easter Day | Sun | 31-Mar | Restricted Holiday |
| Gudi Padwa | Tue | 9-Apr | Restricted Holiday |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | Wed | 10-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Vaisakhi (Vishu) | Sat | 13-Apr | Restricted Holiday |
| Rama Navami | Wed | 17-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Sun | 21-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Rabindra Jayanti | Wed | 8-May | Restricted Holiday |
| Buddha Purnima (Vesak) | Thu | 23-May | Gazetted Holiday |
| Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | Mon | 17-Jun | Restricted Holiday |
| Rath Yatra | Sun | 7-Jul | Gazetted Holiday |
| Muharram (Ashura) | Wed | 17-Jul | Gazetted Holiday |
| Independence Day | Thu | 15-Aug | Gazetted Holiday |
| Parsi New Year’s Day (Nauraz) | Thu | 15-Aug | Public Holiday |
| Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) | Mon | 19-Aug | Restricted Holiday |
| Janmashtami | Mon | 26-Aug | Restricted Holiday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Sat | 7-Sep | Restricted Holiday |
| Onam | Sun | 15-Sep | Restricted Holiday |
| Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e- Milad | Mon | 16-Sep | Gazetted Holiday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Wed | 02-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Dussehra | Sat | 12-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Valmiki Jayanti | Thu | 17-Oct | Restricted Holiday |
| Karva Chauth | Sun | 20-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Dhanteras | Tue | 29-Oct | Restricted Holiday |
| Kali Puja | Thu | 31-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Halloween Day | Thu | 31-Oct | No Holiday |
| Diwali | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Lakshmi Puja | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Karnataka Rajyotsava | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Kerala Piravi | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Govardhan Puja | Sat | 2-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Bhai Dooj | Sun | 3-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Chhath Puja | Thu | 7-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Fri | 15-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Christmas | Wed | 25-Dec | Public Holiday |
Year-Wise Raksha Bandhan Observances
| YEAR | DAY | DATE | Event/Festival |
| 2015 | Sat | 29-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2016 | Thu | 18-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2017 | Mon | 7-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2018 | Sun | 26-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2019 | Thu | 15-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2020 | Mon | 3-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2021 | Sun | 22-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2022 | Thur | 11-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2023 | Wed | 30-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2024 | Mon | 19-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
| 2025 | Sat | 9-Aug | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is Raksha Bandhan in 2024?
A. Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 19th August 2024.
Q. How will Rakhi 2024 be celebrated in India?
A. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. Sisters prepare for the festival by selecting special rakhis and sweets. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie the rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, perform aarti (a ceremonial ritual), and offer sweets. Brothers, in turn, give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and protection. The festival is also an occasion for families to come together, exchange blessings, and share festive meals.
Q. Are there any regional variations in Raksha Bandhan 2024 celebrations in India?
A. Yes, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with slight regional variations across different parts of India. For example, in the state of Maharashtra, people celebrate “Narali Purnima” along with Raksha Bandhan, which is dedicated to the worship of the sea god Varuna. In some regions of North India, it is customary for the sister to tie a sacred thread on the wrist of their brother-in-law, in addition to their own brothers. These regional variations add diversity and unique customs to the overall celebration of Raksha Bandhan in India.
