HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY...

 

Raksha Bandhan (The bond of protection)

Raksha Bandhan, (The bond of protection) or Rakhi, is a festival primarily observed in India , which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is also called Rakhi Purnima in most of India . It is also celebrated in some parts of Pakistan . The festival is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and some Muslims. The central ceremony involves the tying of a rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her. The festival falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Shravan month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It grew in popularity after Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun when she required his help.

 

Historical occurrences and mentions:

Santoshi Ma, Krishna and Draupadi, King Bali and Goddess Laxmi, Yama and the Yamuna, Alexander the Great and King Puru, Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun

 

Other festivals on this day: In southern & Central parts of India including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Orissa, this day (i.e. Shravan Poornima day), is when the Brahmin community performs the rituals of Avani Avittam or Upakarma. Balarama Jayanti, Rakhi Purnima, Gamha Purnima, Narali Purnima, Jandhyam Poornima, Kajari Purnima, Pavitropana, Jhulan Purnima, Poonal/Jandhya Poornima/ Janyu,