RAKSHA BANDHAN

RAKSHA BANDHAN  - it's not just a festival,  it's a bond of emotions between brothers and sisters, it's a bond of protection, obligation, and care. Sisters tie a Rakhi on the wrist of brothers and pray to God for their protection, brothers take the responsibility of their care and life long support. 

Traditionally, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the auspicious day of Purnima of the Hindu Shravana month. It generally falls in the month of August. It's a very auspicious occasion of Hindu culture, and now it's celebrated all over the world, being inspired by this culture.  The Buddhist, Jain and Sikh also celebrate this festival. Actually,  this is a festival of brothers and sisters only. Sisters of all ages tie a rakhi around the wrists of their brothers, symbolically protecting them from all sorts of evils.  In return, they receive a gift also. They also invest the brothers with a share of the responsibility of their potential care.

As per the Hindu culture and tradition, Raksha Bandhan is rooted in the practice of village culture where a bride marries out of her natal village or town. By custom, her parents do not visit her in her married home.   So, the married Hindu women travel back to their parents' homes every year, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, to tie a Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers who typically live with the parents. Sometimes, brothers also travel to their sisters' married home to escort them back. Infact, brothers serve as lifelong intermediaries between their sisters' married and parental homes. They also stand as potential stewards of their security.

But now, this festival has spread beyond the traditional rural regions. It has become very popular in urban areas also. Technology has added a different dimension to it. Now, sisters send Raksha Bandhan wishes also to their brothers through mobile phones. A lot of movies have been made on this theme. Among women and men who are not blood relatives, there is also a transformed tradition of voluntary kin relations that is achieved by tying Rakhi amulets which have cut across caste and class lines.

There are a few myths also about Raksha Bandhan. It is said that once Lord Krishna got his little finger cut. Then, Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas tore the corner of her sari to bandage his finger to prevent bleeding. In return, Lord Krishna promised to protect her in times of distress, and he kept that promise while Dushasana was unwrapping her saree. 

Another,  popular legend says that Yamuna tied a rakhi to the lord of death, Yama. Yama granted her immortality. He was so moved by the gesture that he declared that any brother who was tied a rakhi and offered to protect his sister would become immortal. 

Rani Karnavati, who was the regent of Mewar after the death of her husband Rana Sanga, wrote to Emperor Humayun for help and sent a rakhi seeking protection when Bahadur Shah attacked Mewar. While the emperor didn’t manage to reach on time, he eventually restored the kingdom to Rani Karnavati’s son, Vikramjit. There are some more stories about it which may be got from history. 

Now, let me tell you my own story of Raksha Bandhan. You will be amazed to know that we are seven sisters and only one brother. How lovely! It's just like all the seven sisters "Devi Maa" and brother " Bhairo Bhai" born in one house. In childhood, we all lived together, and so, on the day of Raksha Bandhan, it was a great time and celebration. We all the sisters would get ready early in the morning. We would wear new dresses, as is the custom, and get our brother also ready with new dress. Then, we would sit around him,  waiting for our turn to tie the beautiful Rakhi on his wrist. His right hand wrist would be all filled with bright and beautiful Rakhis. He would feel great to see that. Now, we all are married and settled in different cities, so not all of us get together on this occasion.  Some come personally to tie the Rakhi and some send it by courier. Still, he would wear seven Rakhis and feel great. 

This year,  it was a gala time for me. My brother lives in Delhi. My daughter, who is a doctor, also lives in Delhi. So, I also came to Delhi with my younger son. My daughter tied a Rakhi to my son,  and I to my brother. My niece also tied a Rakhi to her brother and to my son. What a lovely experience it was! Great! We enjoyed a lot. After, Rakhi tying, we went to the grand Pacific Mall, had our lunch and moved around shopping a lot of things. My son purchased a Casio wrist watch and a beautiful purse for his sister and my sister-in-law purchased a beautiful dress for me. My daughter also purchased a beautiful jacket for her handsome brother. My niece also got a lot of gifts from all. This way, we enjoyed a lot. I wish for many many happy returns of this day in our life. But, in all, my brother had only six Rakhis this time and he was missing the last seventh Rakhi all the while. We had to comfort him that he would get seven out of seven next year sure. 

What a pious and pleasant moment it was when I tied all the Rakhis on my brother's wrist. While tying the Rakhi, I sang the song "Bhaiya mere,  Rakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana, Bhaiya mere, apni bahno ko kabhi na bhulana". We got emotional, then laughed a lot. This moment really strengthens the bonding between brothers and sisters. I would like to enjoy this wonderful moment till the end. 

 "A part of my soul, a part of my heart,

Dear Brother, we are together in spirit even when apart.

You guide me for every step I take,

And stop me before I make a mistake.

With my Rakhi, I send you love

That will bring you health and good luck."