Rakshya Bandhan
Rakhshya is a sacred colorful thread that is tied around wrists by senior member of the family or a priest and this sacred thread is believed to be symbol of protection. The following mantra is chanted while tying rakhsya around one’s wrist
"एन बद्धु बलि राजा दानबिन्द्रो महावल
तेन त्वं बध नामी रक्षे मा चल मा चल"
Meaning:
“I tie on you (the devotee) the raksha which was tied on Bali, the King of demons.
Therefore Oh Raksha! Do not ever fail to protect this devotee, do not ever fail.” (Bhavishyottara Puran : 137/20)
The same day sisters put Rakhi, which is also a sacred thread, around their brother’s wrist. The brothers on the other hand give gifts or Dakshina (cash gift) to their sisters. Rakhi is believed to strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters and also protects the brother from any kind of evil. Rakhi symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her.
Janai Purnima
On this day, Hindu men, especially the Brahmins and Chettris perform their annual change of Janai and all who celebrate this festival put a scared thread around their left neck to the right armpits below. Janai is regarded as a symbol of body, speech and mind. Men usually go to sacred rivers and ponds to take a holy bath and change this thread or janai.
Source: www.fishtail.org
Another wonderful aspect of Janai Purnima/Rakshya Bandhan is preparation of Kwati. Kwati is a delicious soup of nine types of sprouted beans. Kwati is a special soup prepared on this particular day by all those who celebrate the festival. Kwati is a rich source of protein and its consumption is beneficial for health.
Source: dwitnews.com
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