Festivals and fairs contain a unique value in our life. They have much significance in the lives of every Indian. We can never miss our festivals at all. Festivals portray our culture and religion. They remind us of our glorious past. Raksha Bandhan is the festival of love, care, and brotherhood. Sisters tie holy threads to the wrist of their brothers, thereby reminding them of their great duty to their sisters. All over India, sisters, whether young or old, they are married or unmarried, visit their brothers to tie a piece of holy thread, and in return, brothers in their respective duly have a vow to protect and care for their sisters from all of the difficulties.
The word 'Raksha Bandhan' has a very important meaning. Raksha means to protect, and Bandhan means bond of love and care. It is the festival of a holy bond of protection and love between a brother and sister. The festival shows love and harmony. This occasion comes in August every year. As per the Hindu yearly calendar, it is celebrated on the day of the full moon. Typically, this festival is celebrated by people not only in the north but also in western parts of India. This occasion has also been called by different names in different parts of the country. Some people call this festival 'Rakhi Purnima,' some call it 'Kajri Purnima.' In many states, this festival is considered an important day for workers, farmers, and women who have sons and daughters. On this occasion, people worship Lord Shiva also. As per the long tradition, the sisters prepare a special thali or a plate with having Diya, rice, roti, and rakhis. First of all, she offers prayers to the Almighty and then ties Rakhi to the brothers and makes special wishes for their well-being to live long. The brother, in return, acknowledges the love and care with a promise to be by the sisters' side for long and gives her a present as a token of love and care.
History of Raksha Bandhan
According to the Indian long traditions, this thread was tied around the wrists of brothers by their sisters, and in ancient times, the contemporary priests tied this guarding thread to the wrists of their kings. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Indra's wife named Sachi, tied a bracelet to Indra to have protection for him from the evil of king Bali. So mainly in the western states of India, the wives conduct this ceremony with their husbands. Many historical pieces of evidence remind us about this festival's significance, and every year this time this festival emphasizes the same values, which have been associated along with the festival. There is also an age-old oral story behind this festival. It is believed that Rani Karnavati of Mewar sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor named Humayun saying him for help from Sultan Bahadur Shah. Humayun prompt acceded to this request, and he helped her out of the problem. It is also done by a Greek lady who also did the same to Porus. The last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar commanded that Raksha Bandhan ought to be celebrated with show and pomp. During the British rule, this festival was also celebrated to promote friendship as well as unity among living all the communities. Rabindranath Tagore also sought through the medium of Rakhi to stop the partition of Bengal at that time.
Celebration of Raksha Bandhan
The enthusiasm and happiness to celebrate this festival is seen several days before the festivity. The markets are full of beautiful colored Rakhis. These days, it has prominently become a soaring business also. Many shopkeepers' sole company is trying to buy and selling colorful Rakhis. The markets are designed like a bride, all colorful and glorious. There are varieties ofgloriousis available in the marketplace ranging from low to high. All the sisters buy rakhis and tie them around the wrists of their brothers, along with roli and rice on their foreheads. They wish for their brothers' prosperity and long life, and in return, brothers take a vow to protect sisters and assure them to guard, during any difficulty. For all the families, the Raksha Bandhan festival is mainly a means of family reunion. Tasty food, milk sweets, etc., are cooked on this auspicious day of celebration. Family members also exchange valuable gifts with other good relatives and wishers and share their individual experiences of their life. In some Indian traditions, especially in the area of Rajasthan, the married women tie rakhis to their husbands also to have protection from all difficulties. These days even sisters tie rakhis to sisters also. Nonetheless, the essence of the festival becomes the same.
Conclusion
The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the ideal of universal brotherhood and also immortalizes the Indian culture. This festival of Rakhi transcends the barriers of caste, creed, and religion and is based on pious sentiments.
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