Raksha Bandhan: It’s about love and protection which siblings have for each other.

Raksha Bandhan: It’s about love and protection which siblings have for each other.

Raksha Bandhan more popularly known as Rakhi is one of the most popular and most eagerly awaited festivals in Hindu calendar denoting the indissoluble and sacred relation between siblings. As a festival Raksha Bandhan is widely popular in India and among the Hindus everywhere; however this festival does not, in fact, has a very limited religious significance rather symbolizes love, protection and bonding among sisters and brothers.

Raksha Bandhan: sister and brothers

The Origins and Significance of Raksha Bandhan

The term "Raksha Bandhan" is derived from two Sanskrit words: The first part of the name has its origin from the Sanskrit word and it translates into English as “Raksha”, meaning protection and the second part of the name also has its origin from the Sanskrit word translated into English as “Bandhan” meaning bond. From folklore stories and various historical occurrences, it is possible to tell about the religious nature of this bond.

There is one famous tale or folklore which concerns Draupadi and Lord Krishna from the work of Vyasa called Mahabharata,. There is a story that, once while Krishna was playing with the mud, he hurt his finger; Draupadi tore a small piece of her saree to dress the wound. Calm down by this royal gesture, Krishna assured her that he would be her body guard if the need arises. This story depicts the spirit of Raksha Bandhan as a bond of offering a promise of protection in true sense.

There is one more folklore of the queen Karnavati of Mewar who knowing that Bahadur Shah was on the way to attack Mewar sister sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun appealing for protection from her brother. There are many instances in history where friendship between two kings was determined by Rakhi, the most famous is when Queen Hempat kidnapped the little son of King Nawaz then in spite of not being a blood relation, moved by the sentiment she felt for her sister, King Humayun sent his army to rescue her kingdom.

Rituals and Celebrations

It is a festival observed on the full moon day of the Shravan month in the Hindu calendar, which roughly falls in the month of August. The rituals, which are related to Rakhi, are quite few but significant in terms of their meaning. On this day the sisters decorate a shiny plate called the Rakhi with Rakhi, sweets, diya and roli of vermilion color. The sister then puts the Rakhi on the brother’s wrist, and puts a tilak on his head and offers prayers for his long healthy life. In return brothers offer gifts to their sisters and commit to defend the latter from anything that is bad in life.

The Rakhi itself can be a string and is decorated with beads, stones or even gold and silver if possible. However, the actual socio-economic message of Raksha Bandhan does not lie in the worth of the Rakhi’s but it lies in sentiments.

Modern-Day Celebrations

As we have seen above, although the bonding of Raksha Bandhan has retained its original flavor to the extent possible, the mode of celebration has undergone certain changes over the period of time all the more due to social changes all over the world. Today with most families living in different parts of the country or even the world, the gains of the festival have been brought to the modern world. A lot of siblings now have to spend Rakhi virtually, sending the Rakhis and gifts through the digital media or merely wishing their dear ones through the video calls.

However, there is more, now the celebration of Raksha Bandhan is not only between brother and sister, only. It is therefore not out of place for individuals to tie Rakhis on their friends, cousins or even soldiers as a indication that they are a part of a bigger family.

The Universal Message of Raksha Bandhan

First of all, one should remember that basically Raksha Bandhan is a festival of love, protection, and the unbreakable linkage of the connection between the siblings. They educate that these relationships are to be valued and fostered regardless of the problem that comes for love. One key feature of the festival is an interdependent care ness that is not confined to Hinduism but more of a global attribute.

In a world that at times may seem so split, Raksha Bandhan symbolizes love and the strength of the bond of family and the promise that each and every one of us makes to the ones we hold close to our hearts.