The festival of
Rakhi finds its essence and
significance in the relationship shared between a brother and a sister. Like
any other Indian festival
Raksha
Bandhan is an occasion that joins families and loved ones together.
The celebration of rakhi is the celebration of togetherness and love. The
importance given to the sibling relationship is highlighted with the
festivities of raksha bandhan. It is the affection, admiration, love,
fondness and respect that is the meaning of rakhi festival. On the day of
Rakhi, brothers and sisters pray for each other's well-being and happiness.
The meaning of the word raksha bandhan is the 'a bond of protection' as
brothers pledge to protect their sisters from all harms and troubles and the
sister prays for the protection of her brother from all evil.
The festival of Rakhi falls on the Shravan Purnima (full moon day of
shravan month) that generally comes in the month of August. On this day the
sisters tie the rakhi thread on the brother's wrist and prays for their
well-being and the brothers promise to honor and protect their sisters in
thick and thin.
Rakhi Significance
The festival of rakhi has undergone many changes. Although today rakhi
celebrations center around the brother-sister relationship, it was not
always so. In the olden days the rakhi thread was tied for protection or
raksha. Anybody, a wife, a daughter or a mother could tie this rakhi thread.
The Rishis tied rakhi on the wrist of the people who came seeking for their
blessings. The sages also use to tie this sacred thread to themselves to
safe guard them from evil. This day is generally a day when all sins end and
blessings are showered on all.
Although rakhi signifies the bond between a brother and a sister but it is
also a symbol of warmth and compassion shared between the communities as a
whole. Some people tie rakhi to neighbors and close friends signifying the
special bond shared between the two.
This day of rakhi reflects the silent pledge of morality, spirituality and
respect to values and Indian culture. In every part of India, rakhi day is
celebrated in different styles and ways. As people reach out on this day
this raksha bandhan becomes a day that binds families in the oneness of this
festival.