Raksha Bandhan : A Thread of Love and Purity

Agrita Chhibber

Hindus all throughout the world celebrate Raksha Bandhan, an auspicious holiday.

The purpose of the holiday is to celebrate and remember the bond between brothers and sisters.

Raksha Bandhan, which means “bond of protection,” celebrates the incredible kinship that siblings have.

Raksha Bandhan occurs on the very last day of the Sawan month in accordance with the Hindu calendar.

Raksha Bandhan literally translates to “the knot of protection” in Sanskrit. Even though the rites differ depending on the locale, they all involve tying a thread. On her brother’s wrist, the sister (or sister-like figure) ties a vibrant, occasionally decorative thread.

The thread represents the sister’s good thoughts and prayers for her brother. Then, the brother presents his sister with a considerate present.

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu holiday honouring brothers and sisters, or you could say it’s a celebration of the protective and loving relationship between siblings. The literal translation of “Raksha Bandhan” is “the bond of protection.”

The full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana (Full Moon Day), which often falls in August on the Gregorian calendar, is when it is observed.

Sisters all throughout the nation wrap their brothers’ wrists with a holy thread known as a “Rakhi” on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan. The rakhi represents the sister’s devotion and prayers for the brother’s health, and in exchange, the brother bestows gifts upon his sister and makes a lifelong commitment to look out for and support her.

Raksha Bandhan Festival’s Importance

India commemorates the sacred relationship between brothers and sisters on Raksha Bandhan. It is very significant because it represents the enduring compassion, care, and protection that siblings have for one another.

yellow and green leafed trees under cloudy sky

This celebration not only deepens the link between siblings, but it also promotes family cohesion, love, and respect. It acts as a reminder of the principles of fidelity, confidence, and assistance that are necessary in all relationships.

Raksha Bandhan crosses boundaries, uniting families and highlighting the value of sibling relationships.

It is a beloved custom that offers joy and happiness to everyone involved and a celebration of the unbreakable link of love.

Raksha Bandhan : A Thread of Love and Purity

Historical Significance

Raksha Bandhan dates back to the time of the Gods and Goddesses. A well-known myth claims that Draupadi put a cloth around Lord Krishna’s wrist when he injured his finger while battling the evil King Shishupal. Krishna pledged to defend her in return.

Another notable version of a brother’s pledge to his sister appears in mediaeval history. Rani Karnavati of Mewar sent an appeal for assistance in the form of a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun while she was being attacked by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. The Mughal emperor was moved by the gesture and immediately gave up his military expedition to support the queen.

Draupadi and Krishna

Draupadi and Krishna get along well. Draupadi shreds her sari in order to bandage Krishna’s wound after he injures his finger during the battle. This act of kindness overwhelms Krishna, who vows to thank her in some way in return. Krishna honours his promise and bravely saves Draupadi when she is in trouble.

In addition, Draupadi put a Rakhi on Krishna in Mahabharat before he left to participate in the epic battle. Likewise, Kunti gave her grandson Abhimanyu a Rakhi before he entered battle.

Rabindranath Tagore established Rakhi Mahotsav, a widespread Raksha Bandhan celebration, to foster a sense of unity and love among Bengal’s Hindus and Muslims during the country’s partition in 1905. It is known that he began this custom as a retaliation against British attempts to split communities.

Pooja Vidhi

India celebrates Raksha Bandhan, an auspicious event, which includes a crucial rite called the “pooja vidhi.” A tiny pooja thali filled with a diya (oil light), roli (vermillion powder), rice, sweets, and Rakhi is prepared before the pooja vidhi ever starts. Sisters do an Aarti in front of their brothers while waving the lamp in a circular manner and dotting their foreheads with roli.

After that, they pray for the brother’s health and success as they fasten the Rakhi around his wrist. In exchange, brothers offer their sisters gifts as a sign of their affection and a pledge to shield them from all harm. The pooja vidhi fosters a spiritual environment that deepens sibling relationships and emphasises the importance of the ritual.

In remembrance of their cherished link, a girl applies tilak to her brother’s forehead, leads his aarti, and binds a Rakhi around his wrist on this day. The brother promises to look after and protect his sister in all situations in exchange for special presents that he gives to his sister.

There is a tradition among the Marwari and Rajasthani people to tie a “Lumba Rakhi” on the bracelet of their brother’s wife. Since the wife is regarded as the better half, it is thought that the ceremony would be lacking without her. She would also share equally in her husband’s duty to see that his sister is taken care of. Other Indian communities are quickly adopting this rite as well.

Agrita Chhibber is from Jammu

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Raksha Bandhan : A Thread of Love and Purity

AGRITA CHHIBBER