Why is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated in India?

The Many Legends of Raksha Bandhan

The Indian festivals are characterized by emotional and familial bond with each ceremonial occasion bonding the kith and kin. Raksha Bandhan is the celebration of one such relationship that builds up the connection between brothers and sisters or cousins. On the day of Raksha Bandhan in 2015, sisters will wish their brothers longevity, prosperity and pray that all their obstacles stay away from them. The Sanskrit word 'Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ is bond.

Legendary Stories behind Raksha Bandhan Celebration

There are various legendary stories connected with Raksha Bandhan and highlight the importance and rituals of Raksha Bandhan. The Puranas, Srimad Bhagvatam and the Mahabharata (Vedic sacred writings) contain stories relating to this festival.

According to one legend, in the war between the thunder god Indra and King Bali the ruler of earth, Indra was disgraced. Sachi, the wife of Indra, was given a holy thread by Lord Vishnu and she tied it on the wrist of Indra who then conquered Amaravati, his own abode which was captured by Bali. This lore signifies that Rakhis were not just confined to the bond between brothers and sisters.

The Bhagvat Purana legend explains how King Bali acknowledged Goddess Laxmi as his sister. King Bali surrendered his rule over the three worlds after being defeated by Lord Vishnu but requested the Lord that He resides at his place. When Lakshmi came to know that Her husband had accepted Bali’s request, she got upset but later she tied a Rakhi on the wrist of Bali and requested him to be her brother. Bali accepted and when he granted Her a wish Goddess Lakshmi wished for her husband Lord Vishnu to come with Her to Vaikuntha. Bali fulfilled Her wish, and Lakshmi promised to pray for his well-being.

Another legend as per the Hindu scripture Mahabharata is an episode of Shree Krishna and Draupadi and is the most famous amongst other Hindu legends. When Lord Krishna slayed Shishupal with His Sudarshan Chakra, He cut His finger while beheading him and Draupadi quickly tore a piece of her sari and tied it onto the cut. Impressed with the act, Krishna assured to come to her aid as many times as the number of threads in the piece of sari. When Draupadi was being stripped in the Kaurava’s royal court, Krishna came to her rescue. The Lord kept His word and became Draupadi’s eternal brother.