How Well Do You Know Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan is a special day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. It’s a time for sisters to tie a colourful thread called a Rakhi on their brother’s wrist, and in return, brothers promise to protect their sisters. This festival is full of traditions, stories, and fun!   

But how well do you know the history and customs of Raksha Bandhan? Let’s find out! 

This quiz will test your knowledge about this wonderful festival. Get ready to have some fun and learn something new about the beautiful relationship between siblings.

1. What does the word “Rakshabandhan” mean?

 a) Bond of Love

b) Protection of Bond

c) Bond of Protection

d) Thread of Love

Answer: (c) Bond of Protection

Explanation: “Rakshabandhan” is a Sanskrit term where “Raksha” means protection and “Bandhan” means bond. Hence, it symbolises the bond of protection between brothers and sisters.

2. In which Hindu month is Rakshabandhan traditionally celebrated?

 a) Chaitra

b) Sawan

c) Kartik

d) Magh

Answer: (b) Sawan

Explanation: Rakshabandhan is celebrated during the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Sawan, which usually falls in August.

3. Rakshabandhan is also known by which other name in South India?

 a) Narali Purnima

b) Avani Avittam

c) Bhai Dooj

d) Pongal

Answer: (b) Avani Avittam

Explanation: In South India, particularly among Tamil and Telugu Brahmins, Rakshabandhan is known as Avani Avittam, a day for ceremonial practices.

4. What is traditionally tied around the brother’s wrist during Rakshabandhan?

 a) Bracelet

b) Thread

c) Rakhi

d) Bangle

Answer: (c) Rakhi

Explanation: A Rakhi is a sacred thread that sisters tie around their brothers’ wrists during Rakshabandhan to symbolise protection and love.

5. Which historical figure is said to have sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun?

a) Rani Lakshmibai

b) Rani Padmini

c) Rani Karnavati

d) Razia Sultana

Answer: (c) Rani Karnavati

Explanation: Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, is believed to have sent a Rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, asking for his protection against Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat.

6. In which epic is the earliest reference to Rakshabandhan found?

a) Ramayana

b) Mahabharata

c) Vedas

d) Upanishads

Answer: (b) Mahabharata

Explanation: The Mahabharata contains one of the earliest references to Rakshabandhan, where Draupadi ties a piece of cloth to Krishna’s wrist, symbolising their bond.

7. Which of these is a popular sweet prepared during Rakshabandhan?

a) Gulab Jamun

b) Kaju Katli

c) Ladoo

d) Jalebi

Answer: (b) Kaju Katli

Explanation: Kaju Katli, made from cashew nuts and sugar, is a popular sweet enjoyed during Rakshabandhan, symbolising the sweetness of the brother-sister relationship.

8. Which state in India is known for the traditional celebration of “Lumba Rakhi”?

a) Punjab

b) Maharashtra

c) Rajasthan

d) Gujarat

Answer: (c) Rajasthan

Explanation: In Rajasthan, “Lumba Rakhi” is tied to the bangles of the sister-in-law (Bhabhi) along with the brother, signifying the importance of all family members in the festival.

9. Rakshabandhan also signifies the start of which agricultural season in many parts of India?

a) Sowing of Kharif crops

b) Harvesting of Rabi crops

c) End of Zaid crops

d) Winter planting season

Answer: (a) Sowing of Kharif crops

Explanation: In many regions, Rakshabandhan marks the beginning of the Kharif cropping season, especially in Maharashtra, where it coincides with Narali Purnima, a festival for the sea.

10. Which of the following statements is true about Rakshabandhan?

a) Only sisters tie Rakhis to brothers.

b) Brothers also tie Rakhis to sisters.

c) It’s a festival only celebrated in India.

d) Rakshabandhan is celebrated on the new moon.

Answer: (b) Brothers also tie Rakhis to sisters.

Explanation: Traditionally, sisters tie Rakhis to brothers, but in many cultures, brothers also tie Rakhis to sisters, symbolising mutual protection and care.

11. Which famous Indian poet wrote a poem titled “Raksha Bandhan”?

a) Rabindranath Tagore

b) Sarojini Naidu

c) Harivansh Rai Bachchan

d) Mirza Ghalib

Answer: (a) Rabindranath Tagore

Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore composed a poem titled “Raksha Bandhan,” emphasising the bond of protection not just between brothers and sisters but also among all individuals in society.

12. Rakshabandhan is celebrated as “Kajari Purnima” in which region of India?

a) North India

b) West India

c) Central India

d) South India

Answer: (c) Central India

Explanation: Kajari Purnima is celebrated in central India, particularly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar, where it marks the beginning of the sowing season for wheat and barley.

13. Which of the following deities is often worshipped on Rakshabandhan?

a) Lord Shiva

b) Lord Krishna

c) Lord Ganesha

d) Lord Vishnu

Answer: (b) Lord Krishna

Explanation: Lord Krishna is often worshipped on Rakshabandhan due to the bond shared between him and Draupadi, which is one of the earliest references to the festival.

14. In the festival of Rakshabandhan, what do sisters typically wish for their brothers?

a) Wealth

b) Long life and protection

c) Success in business

d) Knowledge and wisdom

Answer: (b) Long life and protection

Explanation: Sisters traditionally wish for their brothers’ long lives and protection from all harm, while brothers vow to protect their sisters from any difficulties.

15. Which of the following is a modern-day practice associated with Rakshabandhan?

a) Sending e-Rakhis

b) Lighting lamps

c) Decorating homes with flowers

d) Preparing traditional music

Answer: (a) Sending e-Rakhis

Explanation: In the digital age, many people send e-Rakhis to their siblings who are far away, making it possible to celebrate the festival virtually.

16. Which historical event is connected to the celebration of Rakshabandhan by the Bengali community?

a) Partition of Bengal in 1905

b) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

c) Salt March

d) Quit India Movement

Answer: (a) Partition of Bengal in 1905

Explanation: During the partition of Bengal in 1905, Rabindranath Tagore encouraged Hindus and Muslims to tie Rakhis to each other as a symbol of unity and protest against the British divide-and-rule policy.

17. Which Bollywood movie prominently featured the festival of Rakshabandhan in its storyline?

a) Hum Saath Saath Hain

b) Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

c) Chachi 420

d) Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Answer: (a) Hum Saath Saath Hain

Explanation: The movie “Hum Saath Saath Hain” features the celebration of Rakshabandhan, showcasing the bond of love and duty among siblings.

18. In which country outside India is Rakshabandhan also celebrated by the Hindu community?

a) Nepal

b) Sri Lanka

c) Indonesia

d) Mauritius

Answer: (a) Nepal

Explanation: In Nepal, Rakshabandhan is celebrated with much enthusiasm by the Hindu community, similar to the traditions in India.

19. What is the significance of Rakshabandhan in Jainism?

a) Protection of monks

b) Tying Rakhi to the deities

c) Vow for non-violence

d) Celebrating forgiveness

Answer: (a) Protection of monks

Explanation: In Jainism, Rakshabandhan signifies the vow of the laity to protect the Jain monks and nuns, ensuring their safety during their spiritual journey.

20. What is the traditional gift given by brothers to their sisters on Rakshabandhan?

a) Jewellery

b) Clothes

c) Money or gifts

d) Books

Answer: (c) Money or gifts

Explanation: Traditionally, brothers give their sisters money or gifts as a token of love and appreciation, following the Rakhi ceremony.