Raksha Bandhan 2024: How Did It Begin? Unveiling the Mythological Story Behind It!

Raksha Bandhan 2024: The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm, but have you ever wondered where it all started? Who tied the first rakhi? Let’s delve into the mythological story behind this tradition.

Every year, on the full moon day of Sawan, the festival of Rakhi is celebrated as a symbol of the love between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a protective thread, called rakhi, on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their long life. In return, brothers give gifts and vow to protect their sisters. But have you ever wondered where this tradition began and who tied the first rakhi? If not, let’s explore this today.

According to Indian religious culture, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan. This festival ties brothers and sisters in a bond of affection. On this day, sisters apply a tilak on their brother’s forehead and tie a protective thread, known as a rakhi, around his wrist. Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu and Jain festival that is celebrated annually on the full moon day of the Shravan month. Because it is observed in the month of Shravan.

In Raksha Bandhan, the rakhi or protective thread holds the most significance. A rakhi can range from a simple string made of cotton to a colorful thread, a silk thread, or even an expensive material like gold or silver. Raksha Bandhan is a well-known festival celebrating the brothers and sisters’ bond. The word “Raksha” means protection, and “Bandhan” means a bond. On this day, sisters pray to God for the success and well-being of their brothers.

Although sisters typically tie rakhi to their brothers, it can also be tied by Brahmins, gurus, and young girls to respected relatives, such as a daughter tying it to her father. Sometimes, it is even tied publicly to a leader or a distinguished person. On Raksha Bandhan, brothers usually give their sisters a gift in exchange for the rakhi.

Timing of Raksha Bandhan, 2024

According to Drik Panchang, the most favorable time to tie the rakhi is during the Aparahna period, which falls in the late afternoon. If this time is missed, the rituals can be performed during the Pradosh period. However, it is advised to avoid conducting Raksha Bandhan ceremonies during the Bhadra period.

• Auspicious Time to Tie the Rakhi: 1:30 PM to 9:08 PM
• Aparahna Time Muhurta: 1:43 PM to 4:20 PM
• Pradosh Time Muhurta: 6:56 PM to 9:08 PM

When was the first rakhi tied?

• According to records, the tradition of Raksha Bandhan began around 6,000 years ago. There are many historical references to support this.

  

Who tied the first rakhi?

• There are various mythological stories and beliefs regarding who tied the first rakhi, one of which involves King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. According to the legend, when Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, asked the demon king Bali for three paces of land, he took everything Bali had and sent him to the underworld (Patal Lok). Bali then requested Lord Vishnu to accompany him as a guest, a request that Vishnu could not refuse. However, when Lord Vishnu didn’t return to his abode for a long time, Goddess Lakshmi became worried.
• It was then that Sage Narada advised her to make King Bali her brother and ask for Vishnu as a gift. Goddess Lakshmi followed this advice, strengthening the bond by tying a rakhi or protective thread on King Bali’s wrist. This, according to the legend, was the origin of Raksha Bandhan. However, other stories explain who tied the first rakhi.

The Rituals of Raksha Bandhan

• Preparation and Puja:
  In the morning, after taking a bath, girls and women prepare a puja thali. The thali typically contains rakhi, roli (vermilion) or turmeric, rice, a lamp, sweets, and some money. Boys and men, after getting ready, sit in a designated place, often for a small ceremony or in front of a deity, to have the tilak applied. First, the family worships their chosen deity. After this, the sister applies a tilak on her brother’s forehead using roli or turmeric, places some rice on the tilak, and sprinkles a few grains over his head. She then performs his aarti (a ritual of worship), ties the rakhi on his right wrist, and offers money, which is later distributed among the poor.
• Regional Traditions and Exchange of Gifts:
  In many regions of India, there is also a tradition of placing a small plant or flowers, known as Bhojli or Bhujariya, over the brother’s ear. After the rituals, the brother gives his sister a gift or money. The Raksha Bandhan ceremony is followed by a special meal, as is the custom with many other festivals. Typically, the lunch on Raksha Bandhan holds significant importance, and there is also a tradition of sisters fasting until the rituals are completed.

  

• Role of Priests and Cultural Significance
  In the early morning, priests and Acharyas visit the homes of their patrons to tie rakhis and, in return, receive gifts, clothes, and food. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is deeply embedded in Indian society, with social significance as well as strong connections to religion, mythology, history, literature, and even films.

Social Context

In the hilly regions of Nepal, the tradition of Raksha Bandhan is observed by the Brahmin and Kshatriya communities, where the rakhi is tied by a guru or nephew. However, in the southern border areas, people of Indian origin in Nepal celebrate Raksha Bandhan by having sisters tie the rakhi, similar to the Indian tradition.

On this day, sisters tie a rakhi on their brother’s right wrist, apply a tilak on his forehead, and pray for his long life. In return, the brother promises to protect her. It is believed that the colorful threads of the rakhi strengthen the bond of love between brothers and sisters. The brother and sister share sweets and reassure each other of their support in times of joy and sorrow. This sacred festival honors and respects the pure relationship between brothers and sisters.

Mythological Context

Origins of Raksha Bandhan 2024
The exact origins of the Raksha Bandhan festival are unknown. However, it is mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana that during a war between the gods and demons, the demons began to gain the upper hand. Worried, Lord Indra approached Brihaspati for help. Indra’s wife, Indrani, who was present at the time, overheard the conversation. She took a silk thread, infused it with the power of mantras, and tied it around her husband’s wrist. Coincidentally, it was the day of Shravan Purnima. People believe that Indra was victorious in the battle due to the power of this sacred thread. From that day onwards, the tradition of tying a thread on Shravan Purnima began. This thread is believed to be capable of bestowing wealth, strength, joy, and victory.

• Historical References: Krishna and Draupadi
  One of the most famous stories in history is that of Krishna and Draupadi. During a battle, Lord Krishna’s finger was injured, and Draupadi tore a piece of her sari to bandage his wound. In return for this kindness, Krishna vowed to protect Draupadi in any crisis. The Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and Shrimad Bhagavatam also mention the festival of Raksha Bandhan in the story of Vamana Avatar.
• The Story of King Bali and Lord Vishnu
  The story goes that when the demon king Bali completed 100 yajnas (sacrificial rituals), he attempted to seize the throne of heaven. Fearing his power, Indra and the other gods prayed to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu then took on the Vamana avatar, disguising himself as a Brahmin, and approached King Bali to ask for alms. Despite his guru’s warning, Bali agreed to grant him three paces of land. Vishnu then measured the entire sky, underworld, and earth in three strides and sent Bali to the netherworld. Because Lord Vishnu shattered King Bali’s pride, this festival is also known as Baleyva.

  

• It is said that when Bali was sent to the netherworld, he used his devotion to compel Lord Vishnu to stay with him day and night. Worried about Vishnu’s absence from their home, Goddess Lakshmi sought advice from Narad Muni. Following his guidance, Lakshmi went to King Bali, tied a Raksha Bandhan on him, and made him her brother, thus bringing her husband Vishnu back home. This event also took place on the day of Shravan Purnima.

• The Hayagriva Avatar
  According to a passage in the Vishnu Purana, on the day of Shravan Purnima, Lord Vishnu took the form of Hayagriva to reclaim the Vedas for Brahma. Lord Hayagriva is considered a symbol of knowledge and wisdom.

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