Raksha Bandhan 2022: Significance, date, puja timing, and foods related to the festival

India is a land of festivals, diversified cultures, and traditions. Here, every bond and relation is celebrated through the lens of festivals. The upcoming festival of Raksha Bandhan, honours the bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in the Sawan month. This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 11. (Image: istock)

This year, the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Thursday, August 11, The shubh muhurat will start at 10.38 am and Purnima Tithi will last till 7:05 am on Friday, August 12. (Image: istock)

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The festival celebrated on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Sawan, is dedicated to the relationship between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a thread of protection on the hands of their brothers, and brothers promise to protect them throughout their life. During this celebration, sisters apply kumkum, chawal, and dahi ka tilak to the foreheads of their brothers, perform arti, and tie rakhi on their wrist. In return, they receive gifts and blessings. This festival is also a symbol of the undying love between brothers and sisters. The full moon of Sawan month is also known as Sawan Poornima or Kajari Poonam. (Image: istock)

Although many schools of thought believe the festival is dedicated to the bond of brothers and sisters, many others believe that it is dedicated to every relationship in which a person pledges to protect another. If we look at Indian mythological stories, there are many instances of Raksha Bandhan in religious texts. As per one of the stories, in Tretayuga, before the Mahabharata war commenced, Shri Krishna had raised the Sudarshan Chakra against King Shishupala, during which his hand was injured. Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it to his hand. In return, Shri Krishna promised to protect Draupadi from every danger. And later he kept his promise and protected Draupadi by tying a drape at the time of Cheer Haran. (Image: istock)

Also Read: Easy dessert recipes for diabetics on Rakshabandhan

Indian festivals are incomplete without sweets and Rakshan Bandhan is no exception. Raksha Bandhan Thalis are often filled with Besan Laddoo, Bondi Laddoo, Mewa Barfi, Kalakand, Kaju Katli, Gulab Jamun, and many other sweets on this day. In many families, Kheer, Poori, and Halwa are also prepared along with savory treats to celebrate the festival. (Image: istock)

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