Raksha Bandhan

The Significance of Raksha Bandhan...... 

Raksha means protection, Bandhan signifies the bond or binding. This very auspicious occasion can also be referred to as .. Shraavani, Baleva as well as Naariyali Purnima.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the month of Shravan, during the Purnima or Full Moon Day. We will celebrate this occasion on Wednesday August 17th 2016 here in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. The best time to tie the Rakhi on this day is during the Aparahna - late afternoon according to the Hindu division of the day. 

We recommend between 6:11pm to 11:01pm on the 17th.

It is a day where a sister reaffirms her love and affection for her brother and in return he gives the assurance that he will forever protect her honor and cherish that relationship symbolized by the Rakhi. In many instances, non blood related brothers and sisters perform this ritual to demonstrate the tremendous love and utmost respect that they share.

Recommended procedure: Early morning bath as always, and perform normal daily pooja and rituals. The sister begins to prepare the rakhi and some sweets, flowers, (Mala if possible) chandan and a thali for aarti. During the appropriate time as indicated above, the following procedure is followed. 

1. Sister places chandan on the brother's forehead.

2. A mala is placed around his neck or a flower on his head.

3. Sister then performs Aarti in a clockwise motion for brother.

4. Sister then ties the Rakhi on the right wrist of the brother chanting the following mantra..

येना बद्धो बालीराजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबला,

तेना त्वामभी बधनामी रक्षे ना चला ना चला ।

Yena baddho Baliraja daana-vendro Mahaa-bala,

tena twaam-abhi badh naami rakshe naa chala naa chala

It means I secure on you the raksha which was tied on Bali, the King of demons. Therefore O Raksha! Do not ever fail to protect this devotee, do not ever fail.

5. Then the sister feeds the brother a piece of sweet ( Ladoo, Methai,.....).

6. They both embrace then the brother gives a gift to the sister. The gift can be any token of appreciation. Money can also given in these times.

This should not be just a ritualistic procedure but hold very deep and pure thoughts as well as meaningful sentiments. 

It is useless for siblings to perform this ritual and not genuinely care for eachother. Please do not treat this as just another  fantasy. 

While the brother is responsible for protecting the character and honor of his sister, she is also charged with protecting her brother's pure mind, spotless character and continuously enlighten him while upholding the values of Satya Sanatan Dharma.

It is with divine love I share these few pieces of information with you so that we can continue to grow as Hindus and embrace our very rich culture filled with Love and peace. 

May the blessings of Lord Vishnu be upon one and all.

Love Ever, Hurt Never..... Always.. Pt Neil 

Shri Satyanaraayan Bhagwan Ki Jai!