Raksha Bandhan is observed on the last day of the month of Shravana and it is a festival that celebrates the bond between a brother and a sister. As per the Hindu almanac, this year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 11 and 12.
The Purnima Tithi will remain from August 11 at 9:34 am till 7:17 am on August 12. The best time to tie a Rakhi is from 8:51 pm to 9:13 pm. On August 12, the rituals can be performed till 07:16 am in the morning.
Also Read| Raksha Bandhan trailer launch: Its Akshay Kumar vs Laal Singh Chaddha
Rakhi is the day of love and protection. This day is mainly celebrated between siblings. Sisters tie Rakhi to their brothers and pray to God for their well-being and the brothers pledge to protect them from evil. Nowadays people also tie rakhi to their friends and other loved ones to show their affection towards them.
There are many legends associated with this festival where Gods have tied rakhi to protect their loved ones from all kinds of evil.
In ancient folklore, Yama tied a sacred thread on the wrist of her brother Yamuna to protect him from the curse of death and his stepmother, Chhaya. Even Goddess Laxmi disguised herself as a Brahmin woman and tied a rakhi to King Bali on the day of Shravan Purnima.
Also Read| 60th New York Film Festival will have screenings in all 5 boroughs
A Raksha Bandhan thali is prepared on this day that contains raw rice, roli, chandan, sweets, coconut, rakhis, diya and kalash. Puja and aarti of the Gods are performed and then, the sisters apply a teeka of roli and chawal on the forehead of their brothers. They also tie a rakhi and give them sweets to eat. The exchange of gifts takes place between the siblings and they enjoy the time with their family.