The Festival of the Sacred Thread

Raksha Bandhan is a celebration that praise the affection,obligation among sibling.

Raksha Bandhan is the festival of love, friendship and appreciation. It is the one festival of the sacred thread and is the one festival that is celebrated all over India, to honour the precious bond that exists between a siblings. The festival is not just about tying the holy thread and promises; it is also about expressing your gratefulness towards your siblings. The festival is celebrated with the sisters tying raksha bandhan on their brothers’ wrists seeking love and protections.

Raksha bandhan is celebrated with so much excitement but did you know the story behind the festival?

There are several stories in deep rooted in Indian mythology that's tell us how Raksha Bandhan came to celebration.

Krishna and Draupadi:

The story of raksha bandhan/rakhi dates back to the time of Lord Krishna and Draupadi – the wife of Pandavas. According to the legend, simehow the Lord had cut his little finger and others were trying to find bandage, Draupadi rushed to the Lord, tore her sari and wrapped it around his finger. Pleased with the gesture of his sister-like Draupadi, Lord promised to protect her.

Indra and Sachi :

According to Bhavishya Purana, powerful demon King Bali disgraced Indra, the deity of the sky, rains and thunderbolts, in the war between Gods and demons. Therefore, Indra’s wife, Sachi, consulted Vishnu, who gave her a “holy” bracelet prepared from a cotton thread. Tying this thread around Indra’s wrist, Sachi blessed Indra with her prayers for his well-being and success.

Indra successfully defeated the demon king Bali and recovered Amaravati. Inspiring the defensive power of the holy thread.

The story also suggested that the Raksha Bandhan thread were amulets in ancient India, which were used by women as prayers to safeguard men heading to a war. The thread did not limit to sister-brother like relationships.

one more story we learn as growing up

Rani Karnavati and Humayun:

Very well know story we all have learn in history regarding Raksha Bandhan, one story from 1535 CE is told again and again. It is the respectful bond between Emperor Humayun and queen of Chittor, Rani Karnavati. When Bahadur Shah, the sultan of Gujarat was attacking Chittor, the queen realised that her kingdom was in trouble. She then sent a Rakhi to emperor Humayun as a token of love and asked for protection in return. Taken aback by her emotions, he immediately started his journey with his troops to help her.

Unfortunately, by the time he came, she gave herself in Jauhar. However, Humayun defeated Bahadur Shah and saved the kingdom from him and handed it over to Vikramjeet, Rani’s son as a gift for her mother’s rakhi.

Final thoughts…

We are never going to run out of stories related to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Let’s get inspired by them this year and do something that we have not done before.

Puzzled? Don’t be. These simple deeds can make your festival memorable and also inspire a lot of other people.

While a Rakhi is easily available at stores, there is immense satisfaction in preparing it yourself. A DIY Rakhi project is quite enjoyable, especially with kids, and it serves as a test for their creativity.

Here is our DIY Crochet Rakhi

This year I have made this two sweets with my daughters,as younger one is not so found of sweet. We made coconut chocolate truffles for her and also people who are observing Shravan maas fasting can enjoy Koopra paak ( coconut barfi/ sweet ).

Both of recipes here has made out of Coconut as Raksha Bandhan also called by Nariyali Purnima.

Coconut and festivities go hand in hand because the sweets made from them are auspicious and are used as offerings at sacred rituals performed during festivals.

Koopa Park

Ingredients: