Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network
Aug 29: Every Raksha Bandhan is special for sisters because it builds a strong emotional bonding with their brothers. This Hindu festival calls forth a celebration of universal bond. This year Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated on Saturday, August 29 all over India.
On this day, sisters tie ‘Rakhi’ symbolically signifying their love and devotion towards their brothers. In response, the brothers pledge their love, affection and protection for their sisters from all perils.
The festival of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ is known by different names in different communities but the essence of the festival remains the same.
The ritual of tying the ‘Rakhi’ comes a day after ‘Rigupakarma’ which is usually performed by the Brahmins. Over the years, they have changed their ‘Upanayana’ thread and accompanied it by relevant rituals during the month of ‘Shravana’.
On this day, sisters bathe early in the morning and prepare a platter with a dye thali. It contains Rakhi, Kumkurn, rice grains, diya, incense and sweets. Before tying Rakhi, sisters say to their brothers ‘I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter’. Then she ties the sacred thread on the wrist of brother and gives him the sweets. On this occasion, sisters also pray for their long life. Brothers then go on to pledge to protect them from every peril.
The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and siblings get an occasion to express their love for each other. Brothers offer gifts to their sisters as a token of affection. Some girls may even go on to demand expensive gifts from their brothers, making the best use of the opportunity!
Raksha Bandhan is also an occasion to celebrate brother-sister family bonds between cousins or distant family members and sometimes between brother-sisters who are not biologically related.
The colourful Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads. They are beautifully crafted, embroidered with sequins, and studded with semi precious stones.
The readymade Rakhis are colourful and made of funky threads and are easily available in the market. Girls sometimes experiment with rakhis and give them an artistic look.
According to a mythology, Rakhi was intended to be the worship of the sea-god Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at waterfronts accompany this festival.
There are also myths that describe the ritual which was observed by Indrani and Yamuna for their respective brothers Indra and Yama.
May this blessed bond only grow stronger.