Raksha Bandhan Festival

Raksha Bandan like all other festivals in India is a celebration of togetherness. This festival epitomizes sublime sentiments shared between a brother and a sister. Moreover it’s a constant reminder that a brother’s duty is more than just an obligation of protecting his sister. The sacred thread irrespective of different avatars today is a commitment and also helps ease out various strains and lapses in communication and also enhances an opportunity to rework a strained relationship. During ancient times, if a woman tied a rakhi to a man it became its highest obligation to protect her. So much so that individuals were willingly to put their life on stake. This festival is also well grounded in tradition and the sacrifices of many Rajput kings who strived to protect their spiritual sisters. Even seen as diplomatic move of offering peace, queen Karmavati of Chittor sent a rakhi to Humayun the great emperor. Today at time when value system are constantly being eroded by commercialization and transitional relationships Raksha Bandan is not just a custom but a challenge to make the most of relationships and bonds. Congregational Rakhi Utsavs were popularized and at the same time by the Nobel laurate and famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Rakhi Rituals- Rituals all have significance. There are many verses and spirits to this festival and in this dain age there are few that follow these rituals. However we can certainly take a cue from the fact that many individuals from outside the country, follow the customs and traditions of this festival. According to Indian traditions, rakhis rituals follow a chanting of sacred sonnets from scripture (Mantras). Following this the rakhis are sanctified in rice red color roli etc. Sister dress themselves in the finest of their Indian attire and prepare the puja thali with diya, roli, Chawla (rice), Rakhi threads and sweets. The ritual begins with prayer in front of God and then the sister ties a rakhi on her brother and wishes for happiness and well being. In turn brothers acknowledge the love of the sister by promising to be with her in good times and in bad and at the same time also gifts her a present.

A modern rendition of the Rakhis

In today’s world the friendship band in vogue has become an extension to the rakhi. However it must be noted that this celebration in no way replaces the significance of the love between a brother and sister. If a girl feels that boy has developed emotions for her that are difficult for her to reciprocate then the Rakhi can be used as one way of saying “Let’s be friends” and at the same time sustaining this love as a sisterly love.

An auspicious feeling

This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exists peacefully as brothers and sisters.