Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in the Indian subcontinent every year. The festival derives its name,Raksha which means ‘protection’ and Bandhan meaning ‘bond’ in Hindi.It basically involves tying of a sacred thread around a brother’s wrist by his sister while he pledges his care and protection to her in return. It is a cornerstone in cementing a healthy and cordial relation between siblings and has been celebrated with lots of cheer and goodwill over many centuries.
- When and Why is it Celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan is typically celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana which falls in August.The day is known as Purnima due to a full moon occurrence. There are several myths and legends behind its origination such as in the epic of Mahabharat, Draupadi tied a Rakhi on Krishna before the war. According to some scriptures, in the war between Gods and Demons, when Indra- the deity of sky, rains was disgraced by demon king Bali. Indra’s wife Sachi consulted Vishnu who gave her a bracelet of cotton thread. Sachi tied it to Indra blessing him with her prayers for his success. Indra revitalized successfully defeated Bali and the holy thread gained immortal significance. Other incidents of history and epics do also substantiate its importance in the old times.
- How is it Celebrated?
The procedure of Raksha Bandhan is different in different places due to various notions and preferences.In Maharastra, the fishermen community offer prayers to Lord Varuna, the Hindu god of sea for his blessings. Coconuts are used as offerings and the day is also known as coconut day festival.
In Haryana, along with Raksha Bandhan celebrations, peoplealso celebrate Solono festival. The states of West Bengal and Odisha label Raksha Bandhan as Jhulan Purnima. Prayers and puja of Lord Krishna along with Radha are performed.
The festival although having different notion has a common trait of sisters applying tikka on the brother’s forehead and tieing threads on theirwrist with prayers for their well being and brothers give gifts along with promising protection for her well being.
- Significance in the 21st Century
Raksha Bandhan has a wide no. Of stories and legends signifying its importance in the past times. From Humayun to Rajputs it has enriched history with several instances of Hindu-Muslimunity, conciliation between enemies and prevention of misunderstandings and wars. Dozens of historical women have been known to have send Rakhi to their oppressors.
Its has immense significance even in today’s breakneck speed of life as we have become far too much detached from our siblings and families. Raksha Bandhan does play an important role in checking the strain of bond between a brother and sister with the celebration of this festival. Even foreign-based women send Rakhi to India for their brothers to help keep the sibling bond intact.
- Outlook
‘Raksha Bandhan’ signifies the pure and strong bond of love that a sister and brother share. The sacred thread symbolises the pledge of the brother towards his sister’s protection and the sister’s prayer for his well being. The modern lifestyle has though affected the way this festival is held in good and bad ways alike. While designer Rakhi’s, accessories, chocolates and watches have added a vibrant colour and variety to the gifting occasion; it has also caused an absence of a personal attachment in the proceedings with the abundance of options. A personally written card along with sending flowers and gifts can make the occasion perfect instead of money.
Raksha Bandhan is and will continue to be a widespread bringer of joy and comforts to brother-sister relation but it is on us to make this occasion hold its might in the changing times.
