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Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu custom marking the love and affection
between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on "Shravan Sud
Poornima" every year according to the Hindu Calender. Raksha means
Protection , Bandhan means bond. On this day, sisters tie a
colourful 'Rakhi' on the wrists of their brothers. Sisters believe
that this will bring success, peace, and good health to their
brothers throughout the year.
 There
is no such indication in the Indian History that when and how this
custom started. But it is said that there was a war between the Gods
and the devil, and the Gods were on the losing side. At this
particular time Lord Indra called his Guru Brihaspati in his court
for help and advice. At the same time Indra wife Indrani was also
present in the court. Before Brihaspati could say anything Indrani
rose and said that she knew that how to assure God's win in the
battle. The next day was Shravani Purnima. When Indra was off to the
battlefield, Indrani tied a "Madadiyu" a sacred thread on wrist on
Indra. When Indra entered the battlefield with the "Madadiyu" tied
on his wrist, the devil begin to lose and lost the battle.
Many days before this festival shops start selling Rakhi in all
colours and design, from ordinary ones to the ones in Silver and
Gold. Sisters buy Rakhi for their brother and on Raksha Bandhan Day
tie them on the wrist of their brother praying for his success.
Brothers on their part take a vow to protect their sister, and a
symbol of his love gives a gift to his sister.
Rakshabandhan - the festival in which the brother pledges to guard
his sister against all dangers is celebrated on the full moon day of
Shravan (August). On this day, women and young girls tie rakhis
(bracelets) made of ribbon, gold, silver and silk threads on their
brother's wrists. The girl solemnly seeks her brother's abiding hand
of protection in times of distress and the brother pledges to be by
her side whenever she needs him. The festival in a way reaffirms the
sacred relationship between brothers and sisters. |
