Rahul Dogra
The bonds we share with family often prove to be the most meaningful relationships of our lives. While ties may be tested over time and distance, certain traditions help nourish these bonds by promoting ideals of love, care and protection. One such awaited tradition in India is the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which literally translates to “bond of protection”.
Celebrated annually on a full moon day in the month of Shravan according to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan sees sisters tying a sacred thread around their brothers’ wrists. This heartfelt ritual of a sister’s blessing through a rakhi symbolizes the brother’s pledge to always protect her. Gifting sweets or presents is also customary on this day of rejoicing familial bonds of trust and security.
Historical References
There are several folktales from ancient Indian history that provide insights into the origins of the Raksha Bandhan festival. One well-known story relates events from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Once Lord Krishna sustained an injury and was bleeding profusely. Draupadi, out of care and concern for Krishna, tore a piece of cloth from her sari and tied it around his wounded finger to stop the blood flow.
Touched by her selfless act, Krishna promised to protect her forever. This promise was fulfilled during the infamous disrobing attempt on Draupadi in the Kaurava court. This impromptu cloth bandage came to symbolize the sacred bond of protection between siblings.
Another popular legend describes an interaction between the generous King Bali and the divine couple Lakshmi and Vishnu. King Bali, a devoted follower of Vishnu, had his kingdom protected due to his pious rule. However, this meant Vishnu had to temporarily reside elsewhere. Unable to bear separation from her beloved husband, Lakshmi disguised herself as a migrant woman and went to King Bali’s palace. There, on the full moon day of Shravan Purnima, Lakshmi lovingly tied a protective thread around King Bali’s wrist.
A few days later, when Lakshmi revealed her true self, King Bali was deeply moved by the eternal love between the gods. He persuaded Vishnu to allow Lakshmi to return to their divine abode. King Bali recognized and respected the strong sibling-like bond between devotees. Ever since, the tradition of inviting sisters during the auspicious month of Shravan to partake in the ritual of Raksha Bandhan became customary. The thread symbolizes the vow to emotionally and physically protect one another as family.
The Atharva Veda, one of the four main Vedas, contains numerous hymns about protective bands and amulets. These sacred texts emphasize the power of bonds and protection, which are central themes in Raksha Bandhan.
Rituals and Celebration
The celebration of Raksha Bandhan typically falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, which usually occurs in August. The core ritual involves the following steps:
Preparation: Sisters prepare a thali (plate) with the rakhi, kumkum (vermillion), rice grains, sweets, and a diya (lamp).
Tying the Rakhi: The sister ties the decorative thread (rakhi) on her brother’s wrist while reciting prayers for his well-being.
Tilak Ceremony: She applies a tilak (mark) on her brother’s forehead with kumkum.
Offering: The sister offers sweets to her brother and performs aarti (a ritual of waving light).
Brother’s Vow: The brother promises to protect his sister and offers her a gift as a token of his love and commitment.
Modern Adaptations
Gone are the days when extended clans typically stayed together in joint families under one roof. Now nuclear households, career migrations, inter-city marriages and international relocations mean brothers and sisters may live countries apart. Busy professional lives also leave less time for multigenerational rituals lasting whole evenings as in past eras. However, Raksha Bandhan still strongly resonates as a chance to celebrate familial bonds of love, trust and protection that transcend physical or social boundaries. Siblings separated by vast distances find creative solutions to participate in festivities.
For instance, video calls allow geographically distant family members to simultaneously perform the traditional aarti ceremony and rakhi tying ritual online in real-time. Some brothers mail rakhis and gifts to sisters abroad in advance so the meaning of the occasion can be shared despite temporal divides as well. Heartfelt messages expressing caring sentiments replace in-person interactions for siblings no longer able to come together in person. Social media platforms provide new avenues to reunite loved ones digitally on the auspicious day. Through innovative workarounds that blend ancient traditions with contemporary lifestyles, the essence of Raksha Bandhan endures.
In present times, the concept of siblings has expanded to include relations outside blood ties as well. Friends, same-city connections and even global well-wishers tie rakhis to celebrate their caring bond. The commercialization of the festival has also grown, with companies marketing rakhi gift boxes and hampers across regions.
Movies, songs and social media have become mediums to spread the spirit of Raksha Bandhan among youth culture. While traditional rituals are still cherished, new fusion celebrations reflect changing lifestyles. It has gained recognition outside India too with Indian diasporic communities keeping the tradition alive globally. Despite modifications, the essence of togetherness remains at the core of modern Raksha Bandhan festivities.
Hindu philosophy suggests that siblings reincarnate together in continuous cycles. There is said to be karma between brothers and sisters from past lives that determines how bonded they will be in the present one. According to Advaita Vedanta, Atman or the soul within every person is same – one without a second. This implies that at a spiritual level, all humans are equal and related. The bond between brother and sister is therefore considered sacred, as they are sharing this journey of birth and rebirth together due to their shared karma.
Raksha Bandhan continues to remain deeply significant in modern times. It is a reminder of duties and responsibilities family members have towards each other. At a time when social bonds are loosening, it celebrates the undying nature of sibling affection. The ritual also highlights the importance of empowering and respecting women. With its roots firmly grounded in the wisdom of ancient Hindu scriptures, Raksha Bandhan stands as a symbol of eternal familial ties nurtured through love and protection.
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