A uniquely Indian tradition, Rakhsha Bandhan is a beautiful festival which celebrates the special bond between a brother and a sister. Another one of the numerous Indian celebrations of human relationships, Rakhi is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana. On this very special day, sisters tie a beautiful thread called a ‘rakhi’ on their brothers wrists. The brothers in turn promise to care for and protect their sisters for life.
But the more popular part of this festival would probably be the sweets and lavish food preparations. And more importantly fo the sisters is the popular tradition of brothers giving gifts to their sisters. A reason for the girls to look forward to rakhi more than the boys do.
The essence of Rakhi is a basic feeling of love and protection between brothers and sisters which has been seen through th ages. It has been a part of history in many ways. It is believed that when Alexander invaded India, his wife tied a Rakhi to Porus. Another story is that of Queen Karnavati of Chittor, who sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun, to save her kingdom from the invasion of Bahadur Shah.
And in more recent history, to oppose the partition of Bengal, Rabindra Nath Tagore organized Raksha Bandhanto promote solidarity and peace between Hindus and Muslims.
Although people might focus on the materialistic side of this festival like the gifts and sweets, nobody can deny how important this tradition is to seal that eternal bond of love and protection forever. It is very important to any brother and sister, a truly touching festival of India.
