New Delhi: Raksha Bandhan, the sacred festival of brothers & sisters is around the corner but days before its celebration, a two-day conundrum has caught up people’s attention. A debate has begun on social media and also in some circles over the date of Raksha Bandhan celebration.
There are two discordant voices & opinions for the auspicious day. Though, August 30 has been marked as official day for celebrating Rakhi, but many seers are now advocating against it and calling for celebration, the next day on August 31.
Why the dilemma over dates
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi, is a festival where sisters tie sacred thread around brother’s wrists and the latter takes a vow to protect their dignity and respect at all times.
Though, Raksha Bandhan has been traditionally celebrated on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha within the Shravan month but the talks of two dates has left people in dilemma.
The main reason behind the festival falling on two dates is the presence of ‘Bhadra’, an inauspicious moment which calls for deferring of good things.
अब प्रायः ज्यादातर त्योहार दो दिन में बंट रहा है तिथि के कारण और राखी जैसे त्योहार को लेकर भी संशय है कि 30 अगस्त को या 31अगस्त को मनाया जाए इस बार तो आप सब इस वीडियो को देखें और ये निश्चित कर लें की 31अगस्त को ही हम सब मिलकर राखी का त्योहार हर्ष और उल्लास के साथ मनाएं 😊🙏 pic.twitter.com/LjopgcdecB
— श्रुति ठाकुर (@Shrutithakur_IN) August 28, 2023
A couple of seers are saying that August 30 is coinciding with Bhadra, in addition to the full moon (Purnima) date. As ‘Bhadra kaal’ marks an unfavourable time, sisters are being advised against tying Rakhi on brother’s wrists on August 30.
One may argue to celebrate it after Bhadra but this period is likely to cast its shadow through the day and therefore make it inappropriate. As per Panchang, Shravan Shukla Purnima will begin at 10:59 AM (Aug 30), extend till 07:05 AM, the next day. However, Bhadra period will also set in on Aug 30 and will continue till 9:01 PM on the same day.
Rakhi can be tied after Bhadra period gets over at 9 PM on August 30. However, tying rakhi at night hasn’t been a tradition and the concept is also discouraged by Hindu saints, there are loud calls for its celebration – the next day on August 31.
