It is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Shravan and is also known as ‘Rakhi’. Raksha Bandhan is made up of the words ‘Raksha’ and ‘Bandhan’. It means the brother’s commitment to protect his sister. This festival symbolizes the acceptance of the sacred and intimate relationship between brother and sister. It is such a holy festival that gives full respect and honor to the sacred relationship of brother and sister. Apart from real brothers and sisters, many emotional relationships are also tied to this festival which are beyond the boundaries of religion, caste, rich and poor and country. Rakhi festival was popularized by Rabindranath Tagore to promote the feeling of unity and commitment among all the members of the society to protect each other from evil and encourage harmony in the family.

Draupadi and Krishna’s Rakhi

According to mythology, Lord Krishna’s finger was accidentally cut by the Sudarshan Chakra. Seeing this, Draupadi tore a piece of cloth from her sari and tied it on the wound to stop the bleeding. Lord Krishna was very impressed by her gesture and promised to protect her always. After which, when Draupadi’s clothes were being disrobed, Lord Shri Krishna protected Draupadi’s honor and respect.

Rakhi of Devraj Indra and Indrani

To protect Devraj Indra in the war, his sister Indrani prepared a protective thread with her spiritual powers and tied it on Indra’s wrist. This protective thread protected Indra and he won the war. Since then, sisters started tying Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists to protect them.The tradition of tying this protective thread has been there since the Vedic period when a person used to tie a string or a thread of cotton called ‘Kalava’ or ‘Mauli’ on his wrist during yagya, war, hunting, new resolution and religious rituals. This protective thread later became a symbol of love between husband and wife, mother and son and then brother and sister.

Rakhi of Queen Karnavati and Mughal Emperor Humayun

This historical story of Raksha Bandhan is also associated with Queen Karnavati and Mughal emperor Humayun. It is believed that Queen Karnavati had sent a Rakhi to Humayun. The earliest evidence of the beginning of Raksha Bandhan is Queen Karnavati and Emperor Humayun. In the medieval era, there was a conflict between Rajputs and Muslims. Queen Karnavati was the widow of the king of Chittor. During that time, seeing no way to protect herself and her subjects from Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, the queen sent a Rakhi to Humayun. After this, the tradition of celebrating this festival started. The queen had sent a Rakhi to the Mughal emperor and requested for help, after which Humayun decided to help Karnavati.

What is the purpose of Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Sutra is an important part of the popular Raksha Bandhan festival. While it destroys the inner fear, it also binds the society together by connecting the siblings of opposite sex i.e. brother and sister. Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival of brother-sister relationship. It is a thread that bridges and strengthens all relationships including Guru-disciple.

What is the  scientific importance of Raksha Bandhan?

The concept of the Raksha Sutra tied on this day is completely scientific. In ancient times, saffron, rice, mustard seeds, durva and sandalwood were tied in a red silk cloth with a silk thread to make the Raksha Sutra used for Raksha Bandhan. Scientific approach is involved in the selection of all these materials. Therefore, spiritual medicinal properties are hidden in these materials. Silk is the main ingredient in Raksha Sutra. Silk is considered to be anti-biotic, which is called antibiotic. Saffron used in Raksha Bandhan is a medicinal spice, which provides energy to the body. It also helps in strengthening the immune system. Saffron is considered to be ojakarak, ushanvirya, stimulant, digestive, vata-phlegm-destroyer and pain destroyer. Mustard seeds used in Raksha Bandhan are rich in anti-oxidant properties. They help in protecting the body from free radicals. Mustard protects from skin diseases.  It has properties of destroying phlegm and gas, itching, leprosy, stomach worms. Durva or Doob is beneficial for skin complexion, blood disorders, fainting, diarrhoea, hemorrhoids, blood bile, sexually transmitted diseases, jaundice, stomach diseases, vomiting, urinary tract infection etc. Sandalwood is considered to be cooling and balances the chemicals called serotonin and beta-endorphin in the brain. Akshat or rice used in Rakshabandhan is a holy substance and symbol of purity. It helps in freeing the body from toxins. History is a witness that this material wealth has been behind all the major wars and animosities in the world. Akshat- Wishes for brother to remain intact, healthy and victorious. Durva used in Rakshabandhan is a medicinal herb which is beneficial for physical and mental health. It helps in keeping the body healthy.  Mustard seeds- used to increase the strength of brother, Durva- used to increase the virtues of brother and Sandalwood- symbolises increase in joy, fragrance and coolness in brother’s life.

Thus, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is not only a religious festival, but it is also a scientific festival. This festival symbolises the love and protection of brother and sister, it is also beneficial for our health.