Rakshabandhan The Unique Celebration Of Brotherhood

Festivals often have a religious flavor and are usually associated with some divine power or saints and holy personages

. In this matter, the festival of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is exceptional as it celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters.

The word Raksha Bandhan, when translated means the bond of protection. Yes, through this celebration the brothers and sisters around the world take a solemn vow to love, cherish and protect each other. The Raksha Bandhan is normally celebrated by followers of Hinduism and the Sikh religion.

The time of celebration

The second week of August is the time when this occasion occurs. As per the Hindi calendar, the month of Shravan occurs in August. Raksha Bandhan falls on the full moon day of Shravan or the Shravan Pournami, thereby contributing the name of Rakhi Purnima to the festival.

The religious connection

The Mahabharata and the Ramayana as well as the various heroic stories describing the exploits of great heroes have many references to Raksha Bandhan. The ladies of the royal families, after performing elaborate prayers, used to tie the ceremonial thread to the wrists of their brothers as a reminder that they would be constantly in their prayers.

The historical outlook

In history, we come across the reference to Rakhi during the Mughal era. The widowed queen of Chitoor, Rani Karnavadi gifted a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The Rakhi was sent with a request to Humayun to help her protect and safeguard her kingdom after her husbands death. Humayun accepted Karnavadis gift and as suited for a brother swore to be his sisters guardian and protector against all her enemies. The celebration of Rakhi became popular with this incident.

The rituals observed

On the day of the Shravana Pournami, the female sibling would offer sweets to her brother and then tie a rakhi or a decorative band around his wrists. The band is seen as an abiding symbol of her love and devotion towards him. Through this bondage, she gives him the word that his welfare would be her primary concern and he would be ever present in her prayers.

The brother, in turn vows to protect and cherish her throughout her life. The brother presents a gift to his sister. Rakhi is offered not just to blood brothers, but even cousins are presented with the ceremonial disks.

The gifts of Rakhi

The celebration of Rakhi is most cherished for the giving of gifts to the sister by her brother. Earlier, they were mainly envelopes containing cash. At times, the gift would be articles of clothing like saris or salwars.

But, now the nature of gifts has also undergone variations. At present, almost anything can be given as Rakhi gifts. The most common are sweets such as jalebis and ladoos, chocolates and greeting cards. The market today has many items to offer as Rakhi gifts. In fact, gift hampers and designer Raksha Bandhan gifts are the craze at present. You will be spoilt for choices when it comes to selecting gifts for Rakhi.

The everlasting love between siblings is the focal point of this celebration.

Word Count: 524

by: Luther King

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