Raksha Bandhan 2023: From Traditions to Chants, Here’s Your Complete Guide.
RAKSHA BANDHAN 2023:
The special time of the year is here. Every year, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated all over the country with a lot of excitement. This special day is all about the strong love between brothers and sisters. On this day, the sister ties a special bracelet on her brother’s hand. This bracelet means protection from bad things. In return, the brother promises to take care of the sister and gives her gifts and love. The love between a brother and a sister is really special, and Raksha Bandhan reminds us to always show love to each other.
The connection between siblings is really special, but the strong and loving bond between a brother and sister is truly a blessed one. This Rakshabandhan, let’s celebrate this unique circle of love and trust. Relationships are a super important part of our lives. The times we spend with those we care about become super precious moments and stay in our hearts as really special memories.
One of the most important and lovely relationships is between siblings, especially between a brother and a sister. In India, we show how much we value the bond between a brother and sister by celebrating it during the Rakshabandhan festival. The word Rakshabandhan comes from two Sanskrit words, ‘Raksha’ and ‘Bandhan’. When we say it in English, Rakshabandhan means the ‘knot of protection’. We celebrate this festival on the last day of the ‘Shraavana’ month in the Hindu Calendar.
Origin of the festival:
People tell various stories about where this festival started. But what’s really important is how it makes the bond between brothers and sisters stronger and more meaningful. There’s no other relationship that’s as lively and caring as the one siblings have. As a parent, it’s important to teach your kids how to be there for each other, give support, cheer each other on, protect, and always stand by one another.
Tips Encourage Sibling to Bonding:
In today’s culture where families often have just one or two children, having more than one child can be tough and even stressful. A parent I met recently said, “When I had one child, I was a parent. Now that I have two, I feel like a referee!” This got me thinking about how we sometimes say and do things that harm the wonderful connection that siblings naturally have. I made up the term ‘4Cs’ to remember the common mistakes parents accidentally make.
Even though siblings are really close, they might have arguments sometimes. What parents should do is help them work out their differences and get along by doing things together.
Bonding Activities for Siblings:
Fun Activities for Siblings: Childhood is a time for play and adventure. Playing freely with siblings and doing fun things together teaches kids a lot. They learn about teamwork, sharing responsibilities, and working together. Most importantly, it brings siblings closer.
Growing up with a brother or sister makes children feel happy and safe. So, this Rakshabandhan, learn about the cultural roots of this wonderful festival. While you do that, celebrate the special bond of love and trust your children have.
Puja Rituals:
To celebrate Raksha Bandhan in the best way, it’s important to follow some steps. Avoid the Bhadra timings and choose Shravan Purnima instead. Start the day with a bath before sunrise and do special ceremonies for gods and ancestors, called Deva and Pitra Tarpan. Then, do the Upakarma ritual, also known as Avani Avittam. When it’s daytime, specifically during Aparahna, perform the main ritual of tying the Rakhi on your brother’s right wrist. Remember, your brother shouldn’t sit facing south during this. Both of you should cover your heads with a handkerchief or a scarf while doing this ritual. Also, for the Raksha Bandhan ceremony, make sure to do the Ghatasthapana ritual as well.
Shubh muhurat:
The Purnima tithi will begin at 10:58AM on August 30 and will go on till 07:05AM on August 31. This is the best time to perform the rituals of Raksha Bandhan.