Mumbai: Raksha Bandhan, observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, epitomises the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. This significant festival, falling on August 19, 2024, is not just about the ceremonial tying of the Rakhi, but also about strengthening familial ties. As sisters tie Rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their long life and prosperity, brothers reciprocate with gifts and vows of unwavering support.
Rakhi: The Mistake to Avoid
Amidst the festive cheer, a crucial aspect often overlooked is the handling of the Rakhi post-celebration. Astrologically speaking, discarding the Rakhi immediately after the festival—within a day or two—is considered inauspicious and can bring negative repercussions. Preserving the sanctity of this thread is as significant as the ceremony itself.
Rakhi Auspicious Timings
This year, Raksha Bandhan commences in the afternoon due to the presence of Bhadra in the morning. The specific times are as follows:
Rakhi muhurat: From 1:30 PM to 9:06 PM
Afternoon Auspicious Time: 1:46 PM to 4:19 PM
Evening Auspicious Time: 6:56 PM to 9:07 PM
Direction to face when tying Rakhi
During the ritual, brothers should face the east while sisters should face the west, enhancing the auspiciousness of the moment. The ceremony starts with a tilak of roli or sandalwood, followed by the placing of rice grains on the brother’s forehead, symbolising purity and well-being.
How long should the Rakhi be kept tied after Raksha Bandhan?
Instead of a hasty removal, the Rakhi should ideally remain tied for at least 21 days. If it is not feasible to keep it for the entire duration, maintaining it until Janmashtami is advisable. This practice not only honours the Rakhi’s sanctity but also strengthens the spiritual bond it represents.
What to do with the Rakhi after removing it?
Once it is time to remove the Rakhi, wrap it in a red cloth and store it at a sacred spot or alongside items associated with the sister. This preserves its sanctity until the next Raksha Bandhan. If the Rakhi breaks or gets damaged, it should be buried near a tree root with a coin or released into a body of water, returning it to nature in a respectful manner.
Raksha Bandhan is more than a tradition; it’s a day of reverence and celebration of sibling love. By avoiding the mistake of disrespectfully discarding the Rakhi, brothers can ensure that the essence of this auspicious day is preserved, enhancing the cosmic bond shared with their sisters.
Discover the essential Rakhi rituals for brothers in India. Learn the correct direction to face during the ceremony and the proper steps to follow after removing the Rakhi. Ensure a meaningful and auspicious Rakhi celebration. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
