Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates the pious and strong bond between a brother and sister, will be observed on Sunday, August 22, 2021. The occasion falls on the full-moon day or Purnima in the Hindu calendar month of Shravan.

The term Raksha Bandhan means a bond of safety, thus, a sister on this day ties a threadlike band, Rakhi, on her brother’s wrist as a sign of her faith in him and the brother vows to protect his sister against all odds.

History of Raksha Bandhan

According to Hindu mythology, the concept of Raksha Bandhan has its root in Mahabharata. It is an ancient Hindu epic written by sage Ved Vyas.

This comes from a popular incident that happened between Lord Krishna and Draupadi. Once Lord Krishna was flying kids with the Pandavas and accidentally cut his finger from the thread (manjha).

Observing that Krishan’s finger was bleeding, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it on Krishna’s finger. Moved by the gesture, Lord Krishna vowed to protect Draupadi from all the evil and problems. 

When Draupadi was subjected to public humiliation and assault by the Kauravas in the Hastinapur court, Krishna offered help and protected Draupadi from getting her clothes torn (cheerhararan).

Since then, every sister ties a thread of faith on her brother’s wrist and asks for protection in return.

Raksha Bandhan 2021 timings

According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar), the Purnima Tithi for Raksha Bandhan 2021 will begin at 7 pm on August 21 and end at 5:31 pm on August 22.

However, the timings to tie the rakhi will begin at 6:15 am on August 22 and continue till 5:31 pm the same evening.

How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated

On this day, a sister ties decorative rakhi on her brother’s wrist, offers them sweets, and performs the puja. In return, brothers give gifts or money to their sisters and vow to protect them.