Raksha Bandhan is a prominent and ancient annual Hindu rite or ceremony celebrated during the Hindu lunar calendar month Shravana (typically August) across the Indian Subcontinent. It is also heavily influenced by Hindu culture elsewhere. On this day, sisters of all ages tie a talisman or amulet called rakhi on the wrists of their brothers. They receive a gift in return and have traditionally paid the brothers whatever they can take care of. Please scroll below to learn more about the Rakhi festival, its history, celebrations, wishes, status, and quotes.
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Date
Raksha Bandhan is a holiday celebrated on the last day of the Indian lunar calendar month of Shravana, which falls in August. Now the term "Raksha Bandhan" (Sanskrit, literally "bond of protection, obligation, or care") is usually applied to this ritual. However, the festival of sisters-in-law has its origins in folk culture, with the names varying depending on the location. Some were translated as salutation, rakri, and silono. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi in 2024 will be celebrated on Monday, August 19.
History of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan's history lies in several stories. One is intertwined with Hindu mythology and the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Once, the Hindu lord, Krishna, cut his hand. Seeing him bleeding, Draupadi tied a piece of cloth to her saree, which stopped the bleeding. Following the incident, that piece of cloth becomes a sacred thread, which signifies the true importance of Raksha Bandhan.
Another famous story was found about King Bali and goddess Laxmi, which also marks the origin of Rakhi. Demon King Mahabali was a worshiper of lord Vishnu. The devotion of Bali forced Vishnu to protect the kingdom, and he had to leave his place in Vikindam. Vishnu’s wife, Lakshmi, could not stay away from her husband, so she came to Mahabali Castle in the guise of a brahmin refugee woman. She Rakhi on the wrist of King Mahabhaali on a full moon day, also called Shravan Purnima.
A few days later, lord Lakhi revealed her true identity, and this revelation touched King Mahabali so much that he asked lord Vishnu to take Vaikuntam with Goddess Lakshmi. The Mahabali castle king was touched by the love of Vishnu and his family. Since then, it has been a tradition to invite one’s sister to Shravan Purnima to tie the beautiful thread called Rakhi.
Raksha Bandhan Celebrations
Usually, people all over the country visit temples, and priests tie the sacred threads. This is celebrated at the Kala Bhairava temple in Varanasi, where people tie black thread around their wrists. Besides, the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir, people are seen tying a red band around their eyes on this occasion.
The main idea of Rakhi is to celebrate the bond between brother and sister. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around the wrists of their brothers, symbolizing mutual love, care, and protection. Brothers, in most cases, present gifts or tokens of appreciation to their sisters.
How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan
You may find many ways to celebrate Rakhi, but here we have given you 5 unique ideas to celebrate Raksha Bandhan:
1. MAKE RAKHIS
Rakhis are made of red and gold thread and can be decorated with plain or glittering beads. Others can be personalized with photos of a sibling’s interests and hobbies. This is surely a unique way to make your brothers feel proud of you and strengthen the bond.
2. GIVE YOUR SISTER A NICE GIFT
When the sisters can try their best to collect the best Rakhi thread, why can't you present her with a special gift? Brothers, it is time to reciprocate that love in a positive way! So, find some unique gifts according to her taste and personality. It could be a personalized card with flowers, special plants, books, a photo frame with childhood photos, and so on!
3. OFFER SWEETS
Try some simple cooking methods with a touch of cultural twist. Surprise him or her by offering the sweets for which they crave. Even if you don’t have male or female siblings, the kids will love making coconut burfi sweets and taking them home in a decorated box.
4. CREATING POEMS
Sisters can compose simple shayari poems for their brothers and write them on a card, or they can write them from sources. Even a brother can do the same for his sister, and it will be a great surprise for her. If any of you don't like poems, then choose the method of art they cherish.
5. PLAN A FAMILY OUTING
One of the many unique Rakhi celebrations is the family outing. Include favorite family spaces, such as favorite resorts, sacred places, or recreational areas. Visiting a familiar destination may bring some nostalgia, but traveling to an unfamiliar destination has a certain element of adventure and fun.
Happy Raksha Bandhan 2024 Wishes, Messages, and Greetings
Here we have added some beautiful Rakhi wishes, greetings, and messages for brothers and sisters to share on this occasion:
- May this Rakhi festival bring you joy, prosperity, and feelings of well-being in abundance. Thank you for being an amazing brother. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
- This Rakhi Bandhan, I'm wishing you joy and prosperity. Our bond of love can only grow stronger each year. Happy Rakhi, my dearest sis!
- Since we're not together this Rakhi, I'm sending you my deepest wishes, along with a Rakhi that symbolizes eternal bonds. Happy Rakhi, dear brother!
- Celebrating Rakhi Bandhan reminded me of the wonderful tradition we shared together. I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, and wonderful memories. Happy Rakhi!
- I'm praying for you a life filled with blessings, love, and jolly moments. You aren't only my brother, but my best buddy forever. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Status, Captions
Here we brought to you some cheerful Rakhi Bandhan statuses and quotes to share the sibling bonding on social media:
- On this auspicious occasion, I tie this sacred Rakhi with love and pray for your happiness, protection, and prosperity. Happy Raksha Bandhan, my dear brother!
- To the one who has always been my advocate, confidant, and greatest supporter of all time, Happy Raksha Bandhan! May our bond be permanent and unbreakable.
- Celebrating this Raksha Bandhan, remembering how lucky i am for the love and shared memories. I wish you eternal love and happiness. Happy Rakhi, dear!
- I dedicate the day to my best friend and mentor. I'm blessed and thankful to you for being in my life. You make my world brighter. Happy Raksha Bandhan, dear sister!
- For my sweet and caring brother, may this Raksha Bandhan be filled with sweet moments and fond memories. Happy Rakhi to you!
Happy Rakhi 2024 SMS, Text
Here are some short messages (SMS) and texts for siblings to send to their brothers and sisters on Raksha Bandhan:
- May the bond of sacred love be as colorful and vibrant as fine Rakhi threads. Happy Raksha Bandhan to my dear brother!
- Dear sis, on this Raksha Bandhan, I wish you a day filled with happiness, love, and endless blessings.
- No doubt, we're the best siblings in the world. Let's cherish this togetherness for the rest of our lives. Happy Rakhi!
- May our sibling bond grow stronger with each passing day. There is so much love to be showered upon us! Happy Raksha Bandhan!
- To my partner in crime, confidante, and best friend, Happy Raksha Bandhan! Let’s keep making good decisions together.
Happy Raksha Bandhan Quotes for Brothers and Sisters
Below, we have added a collection of beautiful and amazing siblings quotes to share with your brothers and sisters on Rakhi:
"A sister is a forever friend." — Anonymous
"Brothers and sisters are the truest, purest forms of love, family, and friendship, knowing when to hold you and when to challenge you, but always being a part of you." — Carol Betz Addie
"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost." — Marion C. Garretty
"My siblings are my best friends." — America Ferrera
"They say that no matter how old you become, when you are with your siblings, you revert back to childhood." — Karen White
"Siblings-the definition that comprises love, strife, competition and forever friends." — Byron Pulsifer
"Siblings: your only enemy you can't live without." — Anonymous
"Siblings: children of the same parents, each of whom is perfectly normal until they get together."— Sam Levenson
"I may fight with my siblings. But once you lay a finger on them, you’ll be facing me."— Abby Slater
"The advantage of growing up with siblings is that you become very good at fractions."— Robert Brault
In conclusion, we can say that Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. People from all walks of life, regardless of caste and religion, celebrate this auspicious day across India and the Indian diaspora around the world. The Rakhi symbolizes protection from harmful eyes and incidents. We wish all the brothers and sisters a great Rakhsha Bandhan this year.