This holy festival is observed on the last day of the Hindu calendar, which falls sometime in the month of Shravana, or August in the Gregorian calendar.
Raksha Bandhan is a celebration that honours the protective and caring relationship between two people, as its name already suggests.
Saluno, Rakri, and many other names are given to this festival because of its cultural significance in various regions of India where people observe this day in somewhat different ways. For instance, one intriguing Saluno ceremony involves the sisters putting a few barley stalks behind their brothers' ears. To protect the safety of their brothers is the primary goal of such rites. Yet, the major focus of this amazing holiday is to honour the harmony and love shared among siblings.
Rakhi 2023 would be celebrated this year on August 30; however, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, celebrations might be subdued.
Raksha Bandhan Festival History
Raksha Bandhan's legendary past can be traced back to the Mahabharata era. According to legend, Krishna once injured his finger while processing sugarcane, and it began to bleed. When his queen Rukmani saw this, she immediately despatched someone to retrieve the bandages. Draupadi, who was observing all that was happening, intervened to save him. She tore off a piece of her sari, wrapping Krishna's lacerated finger in it. Lord Krishna then pledged to defend her whenever necessary in return. Moreover, Lord Krishna aided Draupadi in preserving her honour throughout the unceremonious disrobing incident.
The Yama and Yamuna Legend
Another tradition claims that Yamuna, an Indian river, and Yama, widely known as the Lord of Death, observed the Raksha Bandhan rite. According to a mythology, the Yamuna was rewarded with immortality by the Lord of Death when she tied a rakhi to Yama.
On this day, he added, every brother who offers to defend his sister will likewise live a long life.
The Tale of Karnavati, Humayun, and the Rani of Mewar
The narrative of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun stands out among the countless Raksha Bandhan stories, probably because it is so significant historically.
With the passing of her devoted husband, Ranga Sanga, Maharani Karnavati was named regent of Mewar and given administrative responsibilities. As Bahadur Shah besieged Mewar a second time, Rani Karnavati appealed to other kings for help protecting her kingdom out of fear that her kingdom would be destroyed and she would lose all.
By sending Humayun a rakhi, the Maharani also made contact with him. This sacred thread represented the close relationship of love that exists between a sister and her brother. Humayun promised that he would support the Queen in battle after witnessing her gesture. The Mughal emperor, however, was himself caught up in another military campaign somewhere in Bengal and was unable to aid the Queen in time. As a result, Maharani Karnavati lost the battle and ultimately sacrificed herself to the fire of Jauhar.