Tag: dailyprompt-2024

History and Origin of Raksha Bandhan: A Sacred Bond of Protection

By Eduindex News

India, with its rich tapestry of festivals and traditions, celebrates many occasions that reflect its cultural depth and spiritual significance. Among these, Raksha Bandhan holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. Celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country and even by the Indian diaspora worldwide, Raksha Bandhan—literally meaning “the bond of protection”—honors the cherished relationship between brothers and sisters.

But where did this beloved tradition begin? What are its historical roots? Let us explore the origin, mythology, and evolution of Raksha Bandhan in Indian culture.

🌸 What is Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Shravana (July–August) according to the Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, a sister ties a sacred thread called rakhi around her brother’s wrist, praying for his long life and happiness. In return, the brother pledges to protect her from all harm and gives her a token of love, often in the form of gifts or money.

🕉️ Mythological Origins of Raksha Bandhan

Several stories from Hindu mythology give insight into the roots of Raksha Bandhan:

1. Draupadi and Lord Krishna

Perhaps the most popular story comes from the Mahabharata. When Krishna cut his finger while handling the Sudarshana Chakra, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tore a piece of her sari and tied it around his finger to stop the bleeding. Touched by this act of sisterly affection, Krishna vowed to protect her in times of need. This is often cited as the true spirit behind Raksha Bandhan.

2. Yama and Yamuna

According to another legend, Yamuna, the sister of Yama, the god of death, tied a rakhi to him. In return, he granted her immortality and promised to visit her once every year. Touched by her affection, he also declared that any brother who receives a rakhi from his sister and gives her protection in return would be blessed with a long life.

3. Indra and Indrani

In the Vedic texts, during a war between gods and demons, Indrani, wife of Indra, prepared a sacred thread and tied it around her husband’s wrist, praying for his victory. This act of protection, though not exactly between siblings, is believed to be one of the earliest references to Raksha Bandhan-like rituals.

🏰 Historical References of Raksha Bandhan

1. Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun

One of the most well-known historical accounts of Raksha Bandhan involves Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, and Mughal emperor Humayun. When Bahadur Shah of Gujarat attacked her kingdom, she sent a rakhi to Humayun, seeking protection. Moved by this gesture, Humayun immediately set out with his troops to defend her, although he reached too late. This event is often cited as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity and the power of the rakhi as a call for help and solidarity.

2. Rabindranath Tagore’s Rakhi Utsav

During the Partition of Bengal in 1905, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore used the symbolism of Raksha Bandhan to promote harmony between Hindus and Muslims. He organized Rakhi Utsavs where people tied rakhis to one another, irrespective of religion, to foster a sense of brotherhood and unity during a politically tense time.

🌿 Cultural Evolution and Regional Variations

Over time, the meaning and practice of Raksha Bandhan have evolved:

  • In modern India, it has grown into a national celebration of love and trust among siblings.
  • In some communities, rakhis are tied not only to biological brothers but also to friends, neighbors, or even soldiers and leaders, signifying universal protection and goodwill.
  • In Maharashtra, the day is also celebrated as Narali Purnima, where fishermen offer coconuts to the sea.
  • In South India, Raksha Bandhan is not as widely celebrated, but where it is observed, it blends with local customs and traditions.

✨ Symbolism and Contemporary Significance

Today, Raksha Bandhan transcends its original familial boundaries and has become a symbol of universal love, trust, and duty. Sisters living far away now send rakhis by post or online, while brothers send gifts across the globe. Many people also tie rakhis to members of the armed forces or political leaders, reaffirming collective security and unity.

With changing social dynamics, Raksha Bandhan is also evolving:

  • Many women tie rakhis to other women, asserting solidarity and mutual support.
  • Children are taught about the values of empathy, responsibility, and care through this tradition.

🪔 Conclusion

The festival of Raksha Bandhan is not just a simple act of tying a thread—it is a celebration of relationships, protection, promises, and unity. Rooted in mythology, nourished by history, and embraced by evolving society, it continues to resonate with people from all walks of life.

As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan today, let us remember that the true essence lies not in rituals, but in the spirit of care, responsibility, and unconditional love that binds us together as a society.

References

Arulmani, M., & Latha, V. H. (2014). RAKSHA BANDHAN CULTURE?…(A New theory on “Kachcha Thread”). International Journal of Engineering Research and Development, 10(8).

Hazen, W. (2003). Hindu Celebrations and Holy Places: Inside Hinduism. Milliken Publishing Company.

Howard, C. (2005). The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan. Practical Pre-School, 2005(54), 1-2.

Mahaseth, H., & Mishra, A. (2021). Indian courts need to be gender sensitised. The Leaflet.

Sehgal, K., & Sehgal, S. (2018). Thread of love. Simon and Schuster.

Become an Editor of an Edited Book and Get Published for Free with EduPub

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What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?
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EduPub is excited to announce a unique opportunity for scholars and researchers to become editors of an edited book. This initiative allows aspiring editors to curate chapters from contributors around the world, compile them into a cohesive volume, and get published for free. If you have a compelling idea for a book and are interested in showcasing diverse perspectives on a specific topic, this is your chance to make a significant impact in your field.

Why Become an Editor with EduPub?

  1. Professional Growth: Editing a book enhances your academic profile, showcasing your expertise and leadership in your research area.
  2. Networking Opportunities: Collaborate with scholars and researchers worldwide, expanding your professional network and fostering future research collaborations.
  3. Cost-Free Publication: EduPub offers free publication for edited books, removing financial barriers and ensuring your work reaches a broad audience.
  4. Academic Contribution: By curating high-quality chapters, you contribute to the body of knowledge in your field, providing valuable resources for researchers, practitioners, and students.

How to Get Started

1. Submit Your Proposal:

To start your journey as an editor, you need to submit a proposal outlining your book idea. Your proposal should include:

  • Title and Description: A clear and concise title along with a brief description of the book’s theme and scope.
  • Target Audience: Define who will benefit from the book, such as researchers, practitioners, students, or policymakers.
  • Chapter Outline: Provide an outline of the potential chapters and topics to be covered.
  • Call for Chapters: Describe how you plan to invite and select contributors for the book.

Send your proposal to editor@edupub.org for consideration.

2. Create a Call for Chapters:

Once your proposal is accepted, EduPub will create a dedicated page on their website to announce the call for chapters. This page will detail:

  • The theme and objectives of the book.
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3. Collect and Review Submissions:

As the editor, you will oversee the collection and review of chapter submissions. This involves:

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After selecting and editing the chapters, compile them into a unified volume. EduPub will assist with the final formatting, layout, and publication process, ensuring your book meets professional publishing standards.

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Once finalized, your edited book will be published and made available through EduPub’s distribution channels, reaching a global audience of researchers, students, and professionals.

Conclusion

Becoming an editor of an edited book with EduPub is a prestigious opportunity that allows you to contribute significantly to your field, enhance your professional profile, and collaborate with a global network of scholars. Submit your proposal today and take the first step towards publishing a high-impact academic book. For more information and to submit your proposal, please contact editor@edupub.org

Research Publication Fee Discounts for NGOs and Scholars from Developing Countries

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In the realm of academic research, publication costs can pose significant barriers for scholars and organizations, particularly those from developing countries. Recognizing this challenge, many academic publishers, including EduPub, are now offering substantial fee discounts to NGOs and scholars from these regions, ensuring broader access to global research platforms.

EduPub’s Commitment to Accessibility

EduPub, a prominent academic publisher, is dedicated to fostering inclusive access to research publications. They understand that financial constraints can limit the dissemination of valuable research from developing countries. To address this, EduPub provides discounts on publication fees for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and scholars from these regions. This initiative aims to reduce the economic barriers to publishing high-quality research and to amplify the voices of researchers from underrepresented areas.

Why Fee Discounts Matter

  1. Promoting Diverse Perspectives: By offering fee discounts, EduPub encourages a more diverse range of perspectives in academic literature. This inclusivity enriches the global research community, enabling insights from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
  2. Supporting Emerging Researchers: Scholars from developing countries often face financial hardships that hinder their ability to publish. Fee discounts provide these researchers with opportunities to share their findings and contribute to their fields without the burden of prohibitive costs.
  3. Enhancing Global Collaboration: Reduced publication fees facilitate increased collaboration between researchers across different regions. This cross-pollination of ideas fosters innovative solutions to global challenges and drives progress in various scientific and academic disciplines.

How to Apply for Fee Discounts

EduPub has streamlined the process for applying for publication fee discounts. Scholars and NGOs from developing countries can follow these steps:

  1. Identify Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the criteria for fee discounts. Typically, this applies to researchers affiliated with institutions in developing countries and registered NGOs.
  2. Prepare Your Manuscript: Follow the submission guidelines provided by EduPub to prepare your manuscript. Ensure that it meets the journal’s standards and requirements.
  3. Submit Your Manuscript: Send your research paper to the specified email address (ijr@ijrjournal.com). Include a request for a fee discount in your cover letter, detailing your eligibility and any supporting information.
  4. Review and Approval: EduPub will review your request and inform you of the discount approval. Once approved, your paper will proceed through the usual peer-review process.

Encouraging Quality Research

EduPub’s fee discount initiative underscores their commitment to promoting quality research from all corners of the world. By alleviating the financial burden on researchers from developing countries, EduPub ensures that important research findings are accessible to the global academic community, regardless of the researchers’ financial circumstances.

Conclusion

Research publication fee discounts for NGOs and scholars from developing countries represent a crucial step towards equitable access to academic publishing. EduPub’s efforts in this regard not only support the dissemination of diverse perspectives but also empower researchers from underrepresented regions to contribute meaningfully to global knowledge. Scholars and organizations are encouraged to take advantage of these discounts to ensure their research reaches a wider audience, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative academic environment.

For further information and to submit your research papers for publication, please contact ijr@ijrjournal.com