Celebration of Rakshabandhan
Vaman Bhagwan then gave him a boon that Bhagwan Narayan will stay at his doorstep all through the year. However, when Shri Narayan failed to return to Vaikunth, Lakshmiji arrived at Bali doorstep. She then adopted Bali as her brother, by tying a raksha on his wrist. This pleased Bali, who allowed her to ask for a boon. She requested that he allow Shri Narayan to return to Vaikunth. Bali agreed. It was then decided that after Narayan stay of four months during Chaturmas, Shivji and Brahmaji would stay at Bali doorstep, each for four months. From this episode about Bali Raja, this day is also known as Baleva. Thus, Bali Raja great gift to Bhagwan is glorified in the shastras. So, in all puja rituals, pandits chant a shlok which praises Bali Raja while tying a nada chhadi (sacred thread) Yena baddho Baliraja, danavendro mahabala, Tena tvamabhi badhnami rakshe ma chala ma chala. I tie on you (the devotee) the raksha which was tied on Bali. Therefore O Raksha! Do not ever fail to protect this bhakta. Do not ever fail. The most important principle to understand and put in our life isjust as Bali Raja offered supreme bhakti by surrendering his own self and his kingdom to Bhagwan, we should mentally surrender our life to Bhagwan. This means to believe that whatever we do in life, it is to please Bhagwan and our Guru.We should not do anything which does not please them. Only then will they guard us and protect us from maya.Practical Rituals of Raksha Bandhan.On this day a sister will tie a raksha (rakhi in Hindi) on the right wrist of her brother(s). Before that, she will perform the following rituals of pujan, to show her love for her dear brother
Apply chandlo on his forehead, with kumkum, then with rice grains.
Place a flower garland around his neck, a garland which she will have made herself (girls who are old enough to use a needle and thread).
Place a whole sweet, usually penda, in his mouth.
Tie the rakhadi on the right wrist. In some communities, this is tied after the first or second step. In return, the brother then presents a gift to her.
Meaning I am tying on your hand this Raksha, with which the most powerful and generous King Bali himself was bound; O Raksha, don
When it comes to Rakhi thali decoration, there can be a plenty of variations in the style of Rakhi thalis as well as the way they are adorned. If you go about hunting for Rakhi puja thalis, youll be awestruck by the mesmerizing designs that are finding their way in the embellishment of the Rakhi puja thalis. In the contemporary times, a great diversity is offered in the market, in terms of the material and styling of the Rakhi thalis, that a common man is bound to get confused thinking as to which one to shop for. Prefer going in for brass or silver plated rakhi thali, as it is considered to be very auspicious. In the heart of the thali, paint a Swastika, which is a symbol of Lord Ganesha. Buy three small size containers, one for rice and water, second for placing roli and the third for keeping a diya and an incense stick stand. Pick up a nice beaded rakhi that can further enhance the charm of your thali. Border your Rakhi thali using fresh flowers. If you want to place the sweets in the thali itself, then you can either keep them on the corner side or take a separate container and your rakhi thali is ready.
Rakhi is also celebrated with great zeal in various countries of Europe. It is celebrated by the South East Asian population residing here. People from different parts of the city gather at a common place at times to give festive touch to this occasion. As there are several people who live in these foreign states alone, they have developed brotherhood amongst themselves. Girls tie Rakhis to boys who are not their real brothers but their foster brothers.
Nepal is the only Hindu Country in the world. There are also many Indians residing in the country. So, in Nepal you will feel homelike on the Indian festivals like Rakhi. Very similar to India, in Nepal also people celebrate this occasion as a commemoration of brother sister relationship. The festival begins with the ceremony of tying Raksha Sutra on brother hand and comes to an end with feasting and family get togethers.
There is also commendable Asian population in Australia. Most of them are Indian students and professionals. So, on the occasion of Rakhi, these people generally celebrate it by community gathering and feasting. In countries like Australia, where the native population is completely alien to any such festival getting Raksha sutra in market is a little difficult, so people preferably tie bands or bracelets around bother hand. Very much like European Asian community, people here also have the concept of foster brothers and sisters as most of the people live away from their family.
The concept of Rakhi in Gulf countries is very new. Since, the time Indians have started moving in these countries for working in Oil companies and factories, they have also introduced the concept of Indian festivals like Rakhi in the Gulf culture. Though the native people do not celebrate this festival, the Indians here nake this occasion look like festival in their community. Many communities of Indian origin who do not have the Rakhi culture back home enthusiastically participate in this festival to increase warmth and love in their relations with the fellow Indians living abroad.
Sometimes it becomes quite impossible to celebrate the festival of Rakhi personally for those sisters or brothers who stay away from each other for varied reasons. There is a saying,
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