In Sanskrit, the term Raksha Bandhan translates as “bond of protection.”
It is observed on the full-moon day, on the 5th month in the Hindu lunar calendar, Raksha Bandhan is a popular Hindu holiday celebrating the love between a brother and sister.
On this day, a sister ties a threaded amulet, known as a rakhi, around a brother’s wrist, honoring their relationship. The bracelet symbolizes the brother’s oath to protect his sister throughout her life, and the sister’s prayers and blessings for protection and wellbeing of her brother.
The origin of this celebration can be found in the Indian epic The Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna cut his finger. Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas who considered Krishna to be like a brother, immediately tore off a piece of her sari and tied the cloth around his bleeding finger. Smiling and grateful, Krishna promised to return the favor to her some day.
Another Legend has it that in 326 BCE, when Alexander the Great invaded India, Alexander’s wife Roxana, out of concern for his safety, had a thread sent to Indian King Porus, requesting him to not harm her husband in battle. Porus is said to have respected her wish, and refrained from killing Alexander during the famed “Battle of the Hydaspes.” Though Alexander ultimately won the battle, Porus had earned his respect, and was thus made a governor of part of his kingdom.
HOW TO CELEBRATE IT ?
Before the festivities begin, a sister first goes out to look for a talisman or amulet, which she thinks her brother might like and would suite his unique personality. A simple activity as such helps to cultivate appreciation for the brother’s personality.
On the D-Day, sister customarily turns on an oil lamp and offers it to a family deity and prays for her brother’s long health and happiness, then she ties the sacred thread to his hand and feeds him a sweet. Then the brother completes the ritual by reciprocating the action of feeding a sweet and giving a present to the sister.
Rakhi Purnima, known as Raksha Bandhan, is a famous festival observed by the Hindu community. On this auspicious day, the brothers traditionally consolidate their oath to protect their sisters from any obstacle. The sisters worship their brothers, tie a holy bracelet on their wrist, and receive gifts and money from their elders.
Rakhi is the symbol of love and unity, but if we study Hindu mythology, it is concluded that rakhi was not performed traditionally by siblings in ancient times. The wives conducted their rites on their husbands. In the legendary tale of Lord Indra Dev and his wife Sachi, Lord Indra went on a fierce battle with a powerful demonic king Bali. Fearing the threatened life of Lord Indra, his wife Sachi tied a pious bracelet to her husband’s wrist that was given to by Lord Vishnu. Thus, in ancient times the tying of thread has become a tradition for married couples, but in the present time, it has extended from brothers and sisters to every kind of relationship.
Raksha Bandhan is a festival which celebrates the bond of a brother and sister. This festival is celebrated in the Hindu religion. It is one of their most important festivals. In addition, sisters and brothers wait eagerly for it all round the year. People celebrate it with abundant zeal and enthusiasm in India.
Similarly, it does not matter if you are a kid or an adult. Brothers and sisters of all ages celebrate Raksha Bandhan. Furthermore, it strengthens the bond between them as well. ‘Raksha’ translates to the protection and ‘Bandhan’ translates to bond. Thus, this explains the meaning of this festival.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated following the Hindu calendar. It falls in the month of Saawan and people celebrate it on the last day of the month. This auspicious festival usually falls around August only.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan
As we all know, siblings carry a special place in our hearts. However, the particular bond of a brother and sister is very unique. The care they have for each other knows no bounds. The love they share is beyond compare.
No matter how much they fight with one another, they always stand behind them in support. Brothers and sisters fight with each other over trivial matters. In other words, they share a bond which is full of teasing and love.
Brothers and sisters help us grow. At every stage of our lives, the bond between them grows stronger. They stand with each other through thick and thin. The elder brothers are very protective of their sisters. Similarly, elder sisters care a lot for their younger brothers. The younger ones look up to their elder siblings.
Raksha Bandhan is all about celebrating this bond. It is a symbolism of the unique and special relationship shared by the two. This day has been rightly recognized to have a good time and focus on this beautiful bond. It serves as a symbol of their love, togetherness, and confidence in each other.
Occasion of Raksha BandhanRaksha Bandhan is a time for pampering for the sisters. On this auspicious occasion, the sisters tie a sacred thread i.e. rakhi, on their brother’s wrist. It is done so with the intent to wish good health and long life.On the other hand, the brothers, in turn, bless their sisters and pledge to protect them and care for them all their lives. The sisters receive a lot of love and pampering on this day. It is in the form of chocolates, gifts, money, dresses and more.
The family members dress up for this occasion, usually in ethnic wear. We see the markets flooded with colorful rakhis and gifts. Every year, fashionable and trendiest rakhis do the rounds of the market. Women shop for the perfect rakhis for their brothers and the men go out to buy gifts for their sisters.In conclusion, Raksha Bandhan is one of the most enjoyable festivals. It gives the brother and sister to strengthen their bond. Nowadays, even sisters who do not have brothers celebrate Raksha Bandhan with their sisters. The essence of the festival remains the same nonetheless.
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