Rakhi Purnima: Meaning, History & Why We Celebrate Raksha Bandhan

What is Rakhi Purnima?

Rakhi Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a sacred festival celebrated across India to honor the protective bond between brothers and sisters. It falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month Shravan — usually in July or August.

In Odisha, this full moon day is doubly significant. It’s also celebrated as:

• Gamha Purnima
• Sri Balabhadra Janma / Balabhadra Jayanti

So while sisters across India tie rakhi threads to their brothers’ wrists, in Odisha, the day is also sacred for Lord Balabhadra’s birthday, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath.

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The History of Raksha Bandhan

The tradition of Raksha Bandhan has roots in Vedic scriptures and Indian mythology.

Some well-known historical references:

• Draupadi and Krishna: When Draupadi tied a strip of cloth around Krishna’s bleeding wrist, he promised to protect her forever.
• Rani Karnavati & Humayun: The Queen of Mewar sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, seeking protection against Bahadur Shah.
• Yama and Yamuna: The God of Death promised his sister Yamuna immortality when she tied a rakhi to him.

It’s always been about one thing — protection, love, and sacred bonds beyond blood.

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What is Gamha Purnima?

Gamha Purnima is a major Odia festival celebrated on the same day as Rakhi Purnima, and it marks:

• The birthday of Lord Balabhadra, also known as Balabhadra Jayanti or Sri Balabhadra Janma.
• A special day for cattle worship in rural Odisha (especially bullocks used in farming).

In villages across Odisha:

• Bullocks are decorated and offered special prasad.
• Farmers celebrate the occasion as a thanksgiving for good monsoons and harvest blessings.

This dual celebration — Rakhi for human bonds, Gamha for divine and agricultural bonds — makes this Purnima uniquely Odia in flavor.

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Sri Balabhadra Janma / Balabhadra Jayanti

Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath, is worshipped on this day in Puri and throughout Odisha. Key highlights include:

• Special pujas in Jagannath temples.
• Chanting of mantras and offering of boondi and dahi pakhala.
• Processions and decorations in some regions to celebrate the deity’s birth.

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Why is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?

Raksha Bandhan is more than a sibling ritual. It celebrates the sacred promise of protection — not just between blood brothers and sisters, but between friends, neighbors, and even communities.

In today’s world, the symbolism of Raksha Bandhan is evolving:

• Sisters tie rakhis to sisters.
• Soldiers are honored by citizens with rakhis.
• Even nature — trees, rivers — are being tied with rakhis to pledge protection.

In Odisha, Raksha Bandhan coexists beautifully with spiritual traditions of Gamha Purnima, making it a festival of relationships, reverence, and roots.

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How is Rakhi Purnima Celebrated?

Across India and Odisha:

• Sisters tie rakhis to their brothers.
• Brothers offer gifts and pledge to protect their sisters.
• Sweet dishes like rasgulla, khiri, and pitha are shared.
• In Odisha’s villages, cattle are bathed, adorned, and offered special food.
• Temples honor Sri Balabhadra with special prayers.

The celebration ranges from modern, urban gifting to deeply rooted rural traditions.

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When is Rakhi Purnima in Odisha in 2025?

In 2025, Rakhi Purnima will be celebrated on:

📅 Saturday, August 9, 2025
⏰ Raksha Bandhan Muhurat (Thread Ceremony): 10:42 AM to 8:05 PM IST

(Note: Timings may vary slightly by location. Always consult a local Panchang.)

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FAQs About Rakhi Purnima, Gamha Purnima & Balabhadra Jayanti

Is Rakhi Purnima a government holiday in Odisha?

Yes, Gamha Purnima / Rakhi Purnima is a public holiday in Odisha. Schools and banks typically remain closed.

What is the connection between Rakhi Purnima and Gamha Purnima?

They occur on the same full moon day. Rakhi Purnima celebrates human bonds, while Gamha Purnima honors bullocks and Lord Balabhadra — essential to Odisha’s agrarian and spiritual life.

Is Balabhadra Jayanti the same as Gamha Purnima?

Yes, in Odisha, Sri Balabhadra Jayanti is celebrated on Gamha Purnima, which is the same as Rakhi Purnima.

How is Raksha Bandhan different in Odisha?

In Odisha, Raksha Bandhan merges with Gamha Purnima, making it a festival of both sibling bonds and agrarian devotion.

❓ What food is prepared during Gamha Purnima in Odisha?

Popular foods include:

• Dahi Pakhala
• Chhena Poda
• Boondi
• Khiri
• Pitha varieties (Arisa, Kakara)

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Final Thoughts

Rakhi Purnima in Odisha is not just about rakhi threads and sweet gifts — it’s a spiritual, agricultural, and cultural celebration all rolled into one. Whether you’re tying a rakhi or worshipping your bullock, this Purnima is all about bonds — human, divine, and natural.