Observed on the Purnima Tithi (Full Moon) day in the holy month of Shravana, Raksha Bandhan honours the bond between a brother and sister. Commonly known as Rakhi, it is one of the biggest festivals in India.
Sisters tie a sacred thread, referred as ‘Rakhi’ to their brother’s wrist. It is like a tribute to the brother-sister bond. Indians believe that this sacred thread is a symbol of protection by the brother to his sister.
Earlier, only brother and sisters used to tie the rakhi. Nowadays, two girls and boys also tie each other rakhi as a sign of love, brotherhood and sisterhood.
According to Hindu calendar, this year, the Purnima Tithi will be from 9:34 in the morning of August 11 till 7:17 AM of August 12. However, there will be an inauspicious time due to ‘Bhadra’. So, it is better to tie the rakhi after 5:40 PM today.
As per astrologers, time from 8:51pm to 9:13pm is the best muhurat to tie the Rakhi because Pradosh Kaal will remain in effect at this time.
Moreover, Rakhi is usually tied on the right hand.
Follow these rituals while you tie the Rakhi to your brother.
• First, apply tilak to your brother's forehead, and then shower him with akshat.
• Give a kerchief or a stole to your brother to help him cover the crown of his head.
• Then place a coconut with the husk on his palms.
• Then as he holds the coconut in his left hand, tie the Rakhi around his right wrist.
• Offer a piece of sweet to him and perform the aarti with a lighted lamp to ward off negativities.
Here's wishing everyone, a very Happy Raksha Bandhan.