Raksha Bandhan: Celebrating the Timeless Bond of Sibling Love and Protection
By Deva Narayan
8th August 2024: Raksha Bandhan, or simply Rakhi, is a Hindu festival celebrated in many parts of the Indian subcontinent, notably India and Nepal. Raksha Bandhan means “bond of protection”. It is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Shravana, which typically falls in the Gregorian calendar month of August.
The festival celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters. It is also popularly used to celebrate any brother-sister type of relationship between men and women who are relatives or biologically unrelated. On Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties a sacred thread called rakhi around her brother’s wrist to pray for his prosperity and happiness. This symbolizes the sister’s love. The brother gives her a token gift and a promise to protect her.
Origin of the Ritual
The festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu scriptures: According to one legend, Draupadi tied up Krishna with her sari when he hurt his little finger while flicking sugarcane; Kunti tied it around Abhimanyu’s wrist before the war so that he could return safely; Lord Ganesh had two wives – Riddhi & Siddhi – they once tied cotton threads around their husband’s wrist for protection.
In another legendary incident, Queen Karnavati of Chittor sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun and sought his help against the invasion by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. The Emperor was so touched by the gesture that he immediately dispatched his troops to defend her kingdom. Once again, this incident validates the fact—that Raksha Bandhan goes beyond the confines of biological siblings, with its essence lying in unity and protection even between strangers or adversaries.
Cultural Importance
Raksha Bandhan is marked with full enthusiasm throughout India and among the Indian communities abroad. Markets are adorned with exquisite rakhis days before they start. Every sister makes it a point to purchase or make the best rakhi for their brother and exchange them on this day as per tradition. On the morning of this day, Sisters first put ‘Akshat’ on the Brother’s forehead and then start performing art which involves diya-oil lamps accompanied by prayers reciting for well-being & good luck of brothers along they take promise from brothers to look after their sisters under all circumstances. In return, the Brothers give gifts especially money to sisters as an expression of their love and also a commitment to protecting her during rough times ahead.
Meaningfulness
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is not limited to sibling love and care, as it spreads the message of universal brotherhood and self-integrity among people in society. It highlights the importance of sisters in everyone’s life as a sister can be a good friend who can provide nice guidance and also protect like a mother which is called the true meaning of God. Sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers wishing them protection against bad influences and evil spirits.
The essence of Raksha Bandhan lies in the values upon which this festival runs that includes, including a feeling of duty between brothers and sisters; that they should protect each other from all harm along with celebrating together in happy times, siblings must put aside their differences during adversities for tranquil coexistence.
Raksha Bandhan is more than a ceremonial tradition; it is a celebration of the enduring bond between siblings, steeped in cultural heritage and historical significance. It emphasizes the values of love, protection, and mutual respect, transcending personal relationships to promote broader social harmony. As the festival evolves, it remains a poignant reminder of the ties that bind us, fostering unity and affection in an ever-changing world.