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RAKSHA BANDHAN: The Festival of Brothers and Sisters
Raksha literally means 'protective' and bandhan
means 'binding'. Raksha Bandhan is the festival of tying the protective
amulet and celebrates the love between a brother and sister. It falls on
the day preceding the full moon night in the month of Shravana
(July/August). Sisters tie a rakhi on the wrists of their
brothers and pray for their long and healthy life. The brothers on their
part pledge to protect their sisters against any danger.
This
festival is restricted to north India. The day begins with a puja.
Sisters then prepare a puja thali, which is a plate containing a
betel leaf, betel nuts, rice grains, sandal paste, Vermillion, an oil
lamp, some
sweets and a rakhi. The
betel leaf and the betel nuts symbolize long life, the sandal paste
bravery, and the oil lamp symbolizes the eternal nature of relationships
between a brother and sister. The rice grains are a symbol of happiness
and joy. The sister then performs the arati for the brother and
applies a tilak of sandal paste or Vermillion and rice grains on
his forehead. She then ties the rakhi on his wrist and gives him
some sweets to eat. Traditionally, the sister does not eat anything
before tying the rakhi; she breaks her fast by accepting some
sweets from her brother after the ceremony. The brother gives her some
money or a gift. In India the postal department works overtime to deliver rakhis on time. Craftsmen summon up all their creativity in making rakhis, which are available in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Raksha Bandhan (according to the Puranas, it was called Rakshikabandhana) was one such custom, which helped in the smooth functioning of society. It was believed that on this day, one should have a protective amulet tied. Accordingly, Brahmins tied a rakshita on the wrist of people of all castes to the recitation of a protective mantra. And they were given a handsome donation for this service. The rakshita was believed to protect against any calamity or danger for a whole year. Around the 17th century, however, the connotations of this festival changed to an expression of affection between brothers and sisters. One facet of the relationship between a brother and sister that has endured from ancient times is its sanctity. Indian history is filled with examples of brothers who honored their rakhi pledge by sacrificing their lives. During the Mughal period, many Rajput princesses sent rakhis to Muslim rulers, whom they wanted to befriend and accept as protectors of their kingdom. Mughal ruler Humanyun received a rakhi from Karmavati, the queen of Chittor, asking him to help her fight the king of Gujarat. To honor the rakhi, Humayun left his state to a rebellious chieftain, even though he was unsure of whether he would have a kingdom to return to. Today, Raksha Bandhan has crossed the bonds of religion to emerge as a truly secular festival. |
