Raksha Bandhan 2025: History, Significance & Timings
Across India today, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated with immense enthusiasm and affection. This sacred occasion for brothers and sisters is not only a cultural tradition but also an eternal symbol of love, trust, protection and sacrifice in Indian civilisation. This year’s Raksha Bandhan is especially significant — free from Bhadra Kaal, free from Panchak, and filled with auspicious yogas.
On this day, sisters tie the thread of love on their brothers’ wrists, and in return, brothers pledge lifelong protection. But did you know that the history of this festival dates back thousands of years and is associated with numerous mythological, historical, and social stories? Let’s explore the complete journey of Raksha Bandhan — from the scriptures to the latest updates in 2025.
Why is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?
‘Raksha Bandhan’ is made up of two words — “Raksha” (protection) and “Bandhan” (bond or tie). On this day, sisters tie a rakhi while praying for their brothers’ long life and happiness, and brothers, in turn, vow to protect their sisters. This bond is not limited to blood relations; it represents affection, trust, and mutual respect.
In many places, women also tie rakhis to soldiers, police officers, friends, and teachers, making this festival a medium for uniting society as a whole.
Raksha Bandhan in Mythological Tales
Raksha Bandhan is not only of emotional significance but is also deeply rooted in the Puranas and epics.
1. Indrani and Indra’s Victory
According to the Bhavishya Purana, a fierce battle was raging between the gods and demons. Lord Indra, the king of the gods, was on the verge of defeat. At that time, his wife Indrani tied a sacred silk thread on his wrist with chants of mantras. It is said that on that very day, Indra emerged victorious in the battle. This occurred on the full moon day of the month of Shravan, which later came to be celebrated as Raksha Bandhan.
2. Shri Krishna and Draupadi
The Mahabharata also plays a key role in the origins of this festival. Once, Shri Krishna injured his finger, and blood began to flow. Draupadi immediately tore the edge of her saree and tied it around his finger. Deeply moved, Shri Krishna vowed to protect her in times of trouble — a promise he fulfilled during the disrobing incident.
3. King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi
Lord Vishnu had promised to guard King Bali’s gates. Seeing this, Goddess Lakshmi grew concerned. She went to Bali, tied a rakhi to him, and accepted him as her brother, requesting him to free Vishnu. Bali gladly agreed. This incident showed that the bond of rakhi extends beyond blood relations and symbolises the thread of affection.
4. Yamraj and Yamuna
According to legend, Yamraj, the god of death, had not met his sister Yamuna for 12 years. When they finally met, Yamuna tied a rakhi to him. Pleased, Yamraj granted her the boon of immortality. Since then, sisters have prayed for their brothers’ long life on this day.
Raksha Bandhan and the Indian Freedom Struggle
Raksha Bandhan also played an important role in Indian history. In 1905, during the partition of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore initiated the “Rakhi Movement.” He encouraged Hindus and Muslims to tie rakhis to one another as a sign of unity. The festival became a symbol of social solidarity at the time.
Raksha Bandhan in Folklore
Different states in India have their own folk tales about Raksha Bandhan —
- The Story of the Old Woman and Granddaughter Chanda – emphasising the value of emotions and promises.
- Friendship Rakhi – where friends tie the protective thread to each other.
These tales show that Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival for brothers and sisters but an opportunity to pledge protection and love in every relationship.
Cultural and Social Importance of Raksha Bandhan
- More than a ritual, it is a festival of values.
- An occasion to strengthen unity and love within families.
- A symbol of trust, responsibility, and respect in relationships.
- A day when the markets see a vibrant rush of sweets and rakhis, boosting annual sales to new heights.
Traditional Way of Celebrating Raksha Bandhan
- The sister prepares a decorated puja thali — with rakhi, roli, rice, a lamp, and sweets.
- She applies a tilak on her brother’s forehead and performs an aarti.
- She ties the rakhi on his right wrist and offers him sweets.
- The brother gives her a gift and vows to protect her.
Raksha Bandhan 2025 – Date, Auspicious Timings, and Yogas
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 8 August 2025, 2:12 PM
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 9 August 2025, 1:24 PM
- Auspicious Muhurat: 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM (7 hours 37 minutes)
- Bhadra Kaal: Not applicable this year, the entire day is auspicious.
- Special Yogas: Gajalakshmi Rajyoga, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga.
What Makes Raksha Bandhan 2025 Special
- This year the festival falls on a Saturday, allowing people to enjoy the celebrations all day due to the holiday.
- Markets are filled with everything from traditional rakhis to digital-themed designs.
- Many sisters living abroad are celebrating by tying rakhis virtually through video calls.
Raksha Bandhan in the Digital Age
Earlier, rakhis were sent through the post, but now online shopping, digital gift cards, and video calls have bridged distances. The trend of “E-Rakhi” and “Virtual Raksha Bandhan Ceremonies” is growing rapidly.
Raksha Bandhan in Literature and Poetry
Many poems and songs celebrate the beauty of this festival —
“The thread of protection is tied,
A sacred knot of love,
A sister ties it on her brother’s wrist,
Bringing gifts of new hopes.”
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan is not merely a festival but a deep expression of emotions, duties, affection, and the essence of Indian culture. Raksha Bandhan 2025 stands out — with auspicious yogas, joyful celebrations, a blend of digital and traditional forms, and most importantly, the power to strengthen relationships.
Today, across India, this celebration extends beyond brothers and sisters to every relationship bound by protection and trust. The thread of rakhi will continue to unite hearts for generations to come.
