Raksha Bandhan 2024: Celebrating the Bond of Protection and Love
Raksha Bandhan, a festival that embodies the love and duty between siblings, is being celebrated across the country today, August 19, 2024. In Hindu culture, Raksha Bandhan holds immense significance, marking the deep bond between brothers and sisters. According to the Vedic calendar, this festival is observed every year on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Shravana month. However, this year, the auspiciousness of the day is influenced by the presence of Bhadra, a period considered inauspicious for performing certain rituals, including tying the sacred Rakhi.
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In Vedic astrology, Bhadra is a time during which performing any auspicious activity is discouraged. This belief stems from the idea that actions undertaken during Bhadra yield unfavorable results. For Raksha Bandhan 2024, Bhadra began at the start of the Purnima Tithi and is set to end at 1:30 PM on August 19. It is important to note that the Bhadra’s head (Bhadra Mukha) period, considered particularly inauspicious, occurs from 10:53 AM to 12:37 PM, while the tail (Bhadra Poonch) phase lasts from 9:51 AM to 10:53 AM on the same day.
Due to the presence of Bhadra, the auspicious time to tie Rakhi begins after 1:30 PM. According to Hindu Panchang, the best time to perform the Rakhi ceremony is from 1:30 PM to 9:07 PM, providing a window of 7 hours and 37 minutes for the ritual.
Raksha Bandhan is not just a day for tying a thread; it is a celebration of the unbreakable bond between siblings. It is a time when sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of their brothers, who in turn promise to protect and support their sisters throughout life. Despite the presence of Bhadra, the festival’s significance remains strong, with millions across India preparing to celebrate this day with love and devotion.
The timing of this year’s Raksha Bandhan is particularly significant as it coincides with the last Monday of the Sawan month and the full moon day, making the occasion even more auspicious. According to Vedic astrology, this day falls under the influence of Shobhan Yoga and Shravan Nakshatra, which are believed to bring positive results when one performs rituals or prayers. Observing these rituals during this time is said to grant everlasting benefits.
Given the influence of Bhadra, it is recommended to wait until after 1:30 PM to tie the Rakhi. Following this time ensures that the rituals are performed under favorable conditions, thereby bringing prosperity and protection. Sisters should ideally face west while tying the Rakhi, while brothers should face east, as per Vastu recommendations. The Rakhi should be tied on the brother’s right wrist, symbolizing the bond of protection and care.
For those wishing to enhance their brother’s well-being and success, certain rituals can be performed on Raksha Bandhan. One such ritual involves using alum (fitkari) to remove the evil eye. The process includes taking a piece of alum and moving it seven times over the brother’s head before discarding it at a crossroads, which is believed to ward off negative energies. Additionally, the last Monday of Sawan presents an ideal opportunity for sisters to pray to Lord Shiva for their brother’s long life and success.
To conclude, Raksha Bandhan 2024 is a day that brings together siblings in a celebration of their bond, despite the challenges posed by the Bhadra period. The festival remains a vibrant expression of love, protection, and lifelong commitment between brothers and sisters. As the auspicious time approaches after 1:30 PM, families across India will unite in performing the rituals, sharing gifts, and expressing their love and best wishes for each other.