
What is Rakshabandhan (रक्षाबंधन)?
As most people from this country would know, Rakshabandhan, Raksh is a Hindu (traditionally) ceremonial annual festival, occurring on the Purnima (full moon night) of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan (Gregorian – August), and the central idea of which is the bond shared between a brother and a sister.
Raksha (lit. Protection) and Bandhan (lit. Bondage, but used as bond), together the nomenclature means The Bond of Protection. Called by different names in different regions, this festival is celebrated throughout the Indian subcontinent, of course with ritualistic differences. The most consistent and common theme being that of tying a protective thread (an amulet) around the wrist of the brother by his sister as a symbol of protection and thereby receiving blessings and presents in return accompanied by a promise of life-long protection by the brother.
The idea is to dedicate a separate day for this sacred relationship of a brother and sister and strengthen the bond between the two. This ceremony is traditionally done between brothers and sisters, but today things are changing. And while some things are Sanatana and will never change with time, some aspects of culture can and should be changed to suit the times we’re living in. Let’s dive a little deeper into the mythology and origin of this festival.
हे ईश्वर! अस्य बन्धनस्य रक्षणं कुरु।
Transliteration:
he
īśvara! asya bandhanasya rakṣaṇaṃ kuru।
English
translation
O Almighty God! Please protect this bond of siblinghood.
Hindi translation
हे
ईश्वर! कृपया हमारे भाई-बहन के बंधन की रक्षा करें।
बन्धुः स्नेहेन मनो बध्नाति यः ।
Transliteration:
bandhuḥ snehena mano badhnāti yaḥ
English
translation
One who ties the heart with affection is the brother.
Hindi translation
जो
मन को स्नेह से बांधे वह भाई।
Source: – śabdakalpadruma
बन्धुः स्नेहेन मनो बध्नाति यः ।
Transliteration:
bandhuḥ snehena mano badhnāti yaḥ
English
translation
One who ties the heart with affection is the brother.
Hindi translation
जो
मन को स्नेह से बांधे वह भाई।
Source: – śabdakalpadruma
Very nice website. Will help to use Samskritam in day to day life