Rakhi Purnima is a name given to Raksha Bandhan which involves the ritual of tying rakhi around the wrist of brothers by their sisters as a charm protecting them from evil or harm and, consequently in return seeking their help when in trouble. It is one of the festival which falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month ‘Shravana’. Rakhi Purnima symbolizes the abiding and chaste bond of love between the brothers and the sisters.
Rakhi Purnima : Significance
In India, every corner have a different name for Rakhi Purnima but they all have the close bond of love and care between brothers and sisters. On the day of Rakhi Purnima, people take bath early in the morning and get ready for the pooja. The rituals of Raksha Bandhan takes place amid of chanting of mantras. Sisters perform aarti before tying the sacred thread. They also put tilak and rice particles on his forehead. This is believed to be done to bring the blessings of God on her brother.
Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Nobel laureate Bengali poet, recognized the inherent power of the feeling behind Rakhi Purnima and promoted it as Rakhi Utsav at his sanctuary Shantiniketan. He believed that the festival would help forge the feelings of love and brotherhood.
Different names of Rakhi Purnima
Because of the sentiments attached with it, the festival is globally popular. The whole world is celebrating this festival to express the love and affection between brothers and sisters. Since Rakhi Purnima is celebrated in different parts of India, it is also known by different names, rituals and customs. In South India, Rakhi Purnima is known as ‘Avani Avittam‘ while in north India it is popular as ‘Kajari purnima’ or ‘Kajari Navami’.
