Odisha celebrates Raksha Bandhan with devotion and festive joy

Raksha Bandhan, the festival symbolising the eternal bond between brothers and sisters, is being celebrated with devotional fervour across Odisha on Saturday.

As per reports, sisters are tying the thread of love, the 'Rakhi', on their brothers’ wrists, while brothers, in return, are pledging lifelong protection. From villages to cities, a joyous atmosphere prevails, with the aroma of freshly prepared traditional sweets and cakes filling homes.

At the Srimandir in Puri, all the preparations are complete for the rituals in which sister Devi Subhadra will ceremonially tie 'Rakhis' on the hands of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra. The Patara Bisoi servitors have readied four Rakhis along with two garlands made of 'gua' (areca nuts) for the occasion.

This day also coincides with 'Gahma Purnima', observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Balabhadra. Bearing the plough and the pestle, Balabhadra is honored with special reverence. 

As part of tradition, cows are bathed, 'Rakhis' are tied to their horns, and they are offered 'pithas' (cakes) as a mark of respect during the holy festival.

Raksha Bandhan is a popular festival celebrated across the country. Irrespective of caste and creed people from all walks of life participate in this festival. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month Shravana (Shravana Poornima).

Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the unmatched bond of love, care and respect. But in a broader perspective the festival of Raksha Bandhan conveys an intrinsic message of universal brotherhood and sisterhood. Thus the festival of Rakhi conveys a message that has socio spiritual significance underscoring the need for nurturing of positive qualities, purity in thought, word and deed.