selectvenue A brother and sister have a special tie that is indescribably strong and difficult to put into words. The bond between siblings is exceptional and valued everywhere in the world. However, since there is a celebration called “Raksha Bandhan” dedicated to sibling love in India, the relationship becomes much more significant. Raksha Bandhan, which derives from Sanskrit, means “bond of protection.” One of the oldest and purest Hindu festivals, Raksha Bandhan is observed annually to honour the unbreakable relationship between a brother and a sister. It represents the lifelong bond of love, caring, and protection that exists between siblings. observed on the full moon day of Shravana, the fifth month in the Hindu calendar (July–August).
Meaning of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha and Bandhan are the two words that make up the event. Sanskrit language translates the occasion as “the tie or knot of protection,” where “Raksha” denotes the aspect of protection and “Bandhan” denotes the action of tying. Together, the event represents the enduring love of the brother-sister bond, which goes beyond just biological ties. Additionally, cousins, sisters-in-law, fraternal aunts, nephews, and other such relatives participate in the festivities.
History
The story of Krishna and Draupadi
The Indian epic The Mahabharata has one of the most well-known stories about how Lord Krishna cut his finger while throwing Sudan Chakra at Shishupal. Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas (the five brothers who controlled the city), quickly tore a piece of her sari and knotted the material around Krishna’s bleeding finger. She thought of Krishna as a brother. Krishna grinned and promised to her that he’ll always protect her. Krishna kept his word and saved Draupadi from Kaurvas when they tried to insult her in a full assembly by dragging her saree.
Santoshi Maa
It is known that Lord Ganesha had two sons rather than a daughter. This offended the brothers Shubh and Labh a little. Then, Lord Narada convinced Lord Ganesha to grant his son’s wish for a sister. This is how Santoshi Maa was formed by Lord Ganesha using his heavenly powers. At the auspicious day, which is now known as Raksha Bandhan, the two sons were given a sister as a blessing.
Indra Dev and Sachi
An epic conflict between Gods and devils allegedly took place in the past, according to the legendary Bhavishya Purana. Lord Indra, the chief deity of the sky, rain, and thunderbolts, was facing up against the formidable demon King, Bali. The conflict dragged on for a very long time without coming to a clear conclusion. After noticing this, Indra’s wife Sachi rushed to Lord Vishnu, who gave her a holy cotton thread bracelet. Sachi tied the holy thread around the wrist of her husband, Lord Indra who ultimately defeated the demons and recovered the Amaravati.
King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi
According to the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, when Lord Vishnu defeated the demon King Bali to win the three realms, the demon king asked him to reside next to him in the palace. The request was granted, and the Lord moved in with the demon king. Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu, wished to go back to Vaikuntha, his native place. She then transformed Bali, the demon king, into her brother by wrapping a rakhi around his wrist. Goddess Lakshmi requested Bali to release her husband from the promise and allow him to go back to Vaikuntha when he asked about the return gift. When Bali granted the request, Lord Vishnu and his wife, Goddess Lakshmi, went back to their home.
How Is Rakshabandhan Celebrated?
Since the auspicious day is a family holiday and nearly everyone in the family gathers to rejoice and have fun, preparations begin far in advance of the special day. Everyone is expected to purchase new clothing to wear on the auspicious day.
When the ritual is ready to begin, sisters and brothers sit side by side. The sisters then tie the “Rakhi,” which could be a plain silk thread or one embellished with sizable amulets and jewellery, around their brothers’ wrists. Then comes the Arti, which consists of lighting a special “diya” filled with cotton balls, oil, or ghee, and an Indian “thali” (plate) that is used for special occasions and is typically made of bronze or copper. Along with sweets, holy crimson paste made with vermillion, sandalwood paste, and other pastes, the thali also includes a few sprigs of grass.
The sister carefully turns this thali in front of her brother while she performs the arti, praying for his long life, safety, and success. A red “tilak,” another revered cultural emblem, is applied to the brother’s forehead after the arti. The rituals come to a conclusion at this point, and both siblings then give each other candy to celebrate. The entire family gathers together and spends the day enjoying one another’s company. It is usual for sisters to mail the “Rakhi” threads to their brothers well in advance if they are separated by distance, along with cards expressing best wishes.
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is observed as a symbol of duty between brothers and sisters. The occasion is meant to celebrate any type of brother-sister relationship between men and women who may not be biologically related. It symbolizes the idea of universal brotherhood. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with someone who cares for you and always looks out for you, regardless of gender and relations.
