Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: Rakshabandhan, a cherished festival that celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters, is celebrated with much fervour every year. On this day, sisters tie colourful threads, known as ‘rakhis’, around their brother’s wrists. In return, brothers offer gifts and promise to care for and protect their sisters.
However, this year, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the celebration date of Rakshabandhan. While traditionally, the festival is celebrated on a full moon day in the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, which usually falls in August, conflicting opinions have emerged regarding the specific day for the festivities.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Rakshabandhan is slated to grace the calendar on both August 30 and 31. Some experts suggested that this auspicious day could be either of the two dates, creating a perplexing conundrum for those looking to celebrate this cherished occasion.
Adding to the intrigue, prominent figures in the world of Jagannath culture and temple servitors from the Jagannath temple have stepped in to settle the confusion. They unanimously advocate for celebrating Rakshabandhan on August 31, stating that the day holds special significance for Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra. These deities will be adorned with exquisite rakhis, including gold-laden Pata Rakhis and garlands.
The festivities are set to coincide with Gambha Purnima, also known as Rakhi Purnima, a celebration that showcases the strong bond between divinity and humanity, mirroring the essence of the brother-sister relationship. Preparations for this momentous event are reportedly at their final stages, with temple authorities making sure that every detail is attended to with the utmost care and devotion.
