India is a country of festivals. Diwali, Holi, Dussehra and Raksha Bandhan are some of the famous festivals of India. Raksha Bandhan is specially famous among these festivals. At some placeese of India Raksha bandhan is celebrated as Rakshasutra. From ancient time, this festival has symbolised the static love of brother and sister. All of our festivals are linked with some or the other saga, old story or किवदन्ती. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is also related with similar kind of stories. Let us try to know, why Raksha Bandhan is celebrated.

Mythological basis of Raksha Bandhan

According to the mythological tale, festival of Raksha Bandhan is linked with Goddess Laxmi’s, Rakhi tying to Bali. The story is as follows. Once upon a time, the king of demons, Bali, completed 100 Yagya(ritual of sacrifice). After that, he demanded for heaven. When God Indra came to know of king Bali’s wish, then, Indra’s throne started shaking.

Frightened God Indra, went to Lord Vishnu’s shelter. Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of dwarf Brahmin and reached King Bali’s house getting charity and alms. Lord Vishnu in form of Brahmin asked for three foot land. King Bali stood by his words and gave three foot land to Lord Vishnu.

In the dwarf form(Vamana), Lord Vishnu covered heaven in first foot and earth in the second. Now, third foot was left to be kept. Difficulty came in front of King Bali. In such a situation, king Bali’s not keeping his word, could be an iniquity. Finally, he bow down his head in front of God, and then, Bali asked Lord Vishnu, to keep the third foot on his head. Lord Vishnu did the same thing. He kept the third foot on Bali’ head and, immediately Bali reached heaven(Parlog)

Lord Vishnu was pleased by Bali’s act of standing on his promise(Vachan). He urged King Bali to ask for something from him. In return Bali asked Lord Vishnu to stay in front of him all day and night.To keep his word, Lord Vishnu, became the doorman of king Bali.To solve this problem. God Narad, gave an idea to Goddess Laxmi. Goddess Laxmi went to king Bali and tied Rakhi to him, and as a gift, she brought Lord Vishnu, back with her. This is the theme of this day, it was Purnima of Shravan Maas. Festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated from that day.

According to other Mythological stories

Once, a fight took place between God and demons. In the war, demon started dominating on Gods. Seeing this God Indra got frightened and approached Jupiter(lord of prayer). When Indrani got to known about this context, she tied a thread made of silk, with power of mantra, on her husband’s hand. This day was Shravan Purnima. From that day, tradition of tying thread was started on the day of Shravan Purnima.

Historical basis of Raksha Bandhan

The thing is of that time when, Mugals and Rajputs were having a war. That time, widow of, King of Chittoor, Karnavati, tied Rakhi to Humayun, for her state's safety. At that time, Humayun also kept the respect of Rakhi and showing affecting, called back his armies back. This historical incident, strenghtened the love bond between brother and sister. As a remembrance of this matter, festival of Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated.

Dropadi’s tying Rakhi to Lord Krishna in Mahabharata

This festival of Rakhi, carried from the ancient period to the time of Mahabharata, that is, Dvapara yuga. And, today in modern times as well, the significance of this festival has not reduced. A context related to Rakhi is also found in Mahabharata. The story is as follows. While killing Shishupal, Lord Krishna got hurt in his index finger, because of which blood started flowing from it. To stop the blood, Dropadi tore the corner of her sari and, tied on the finger of Lord Krishna.

To repay this debt, Lord Krishna, saved Dropadi and kept her honour, at the time of her rip abduction. The day, this incident took place was also Purnima of Shravan Maas.

Religious basis of Raksha Bandhan

In many states of India, this festival is celebrated with different names and ways. Like, in Uttranchal it is celebrated with the name of Shravani. This day Yagyopaveet is wore, among the Brahman class. The act of holding thread(yagyopaveet), is considered auspicious this day. The Brahman class, goes to their host(yajman) house, on this day, and,tie Rakhi, taking alms in return. The famous journey of Aamr Nath is completed on the day of Raksha Bandhan.

Social Base for Raksha Bandhan

In Rajasthan, there is a tradition of tying Ram Rakhi and Chuda Rakhi, on this day. Ram Rakhi is tied only to God. Well, Chuda Rakhi is tied to the bangles of sister-in-law. This Rakhi is made of silk thread. Here, before tying Rakhi, the thread is spellbound by the raw milk. After meal is taken after tying Rakhi.

Other forms of Rakhi

Tradition of celebrating a festival changes with repositioning, in India. Hence, in the south of Tamil Nadu, kerala and Orrisa, it is celebrated as Avani Avittam(Upaakarma). This festival has one other name as well, that is, Hariyali Teej. Before this day, Lord Takur gives Drashan in a swing, but after Rakha Bandhan this Darshan is finished.