Raksha Bandhan: A Promise of Support and Affection
Over the years, the festival of Raksha Bandhan has evolved as a festival adapting to the changing times, preserving its core values, though. While traditionally celebrated between blood-related brothers and sisters, the festival has expanded to include cousins, close friends, and even neighbors who share a brotherly or sisterly bond. This inclusivity reflects the universal message of love and protection that a festival suggests. And this is how festivals contribute to strengthening the concept of unity amongst the people in the country they live in.
Raksha Bandhan is a revered festival cherished throughout India, holding a special place in the hearts of relations. More specifically, this timeless occasion exemplifies the unparalleled bond shared between brothers and sisters. Rooted in tradition and steeped in symbolism, Raksha Bandhan is a festival that transcends religious and regional boundaries, epitomizing the essence of love, protection, and companionship.
The term “Raksha Bandhan” symbolizes “the bond of protection.” Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, typically falling in August, the festival revolves around the sacred ritual of sisters tying a thread, often ceremoniously adorned, referred to as a “Rakhi,” around their brothers’ wrists. This thread signifies the sister’s love, her prayers for her brother’s well-being, and her trust in him as her guardian, protector and saviour. Rooted in tradition and steeped in symbolism, Raksha Bandhan is a festival that transcends religious and regional boundaries, epitomizing the essence of love, protection, and companionship.
The act of tying the Rakhi goes beyond the simple physical gesture; it carries profound emotional and cultural significance. The brother, in turn, takes on the role of the protector and pledges to safeguard his sister from any harm that may come her way. This mutual exchange of promises forms the crux of Raksha Bandhan, strengthening the sibling relationship and emphasizing the unwavering support and affection they share.
The celebration of Raksha Bandhan is a colorful affair that begins with the preparation and purchase of the Rakhi itself. Sisters often spend time crafting or selecting the perfect Rakhi for their brothers, while brothers contemplate on meaningful gifts or tokens of appreciation to give in return. On the day of the festival, families come together, dressed in traditional attire, to partake in rituals that foster unity and reinforce the family ties that bind them.
Amidst the joyous festivities, Raksha Bandhan transcends the realm of the physical, embodying emotional depth and cultural heritage. It symbolizes not only the bond between siblings but also the broader idea of unity, harmony, and mutual respect. The festival showcases the diversity of India, as people from various backgrounds and walks of life participate, reaffirming the nation’s social fabric.
Over the years, Raksha Bandhan has evolved as a festival, adapting to the changing times while preserving its core values, though. While traditionally celebrated between blood-related brothers and sisters, the festival has expanded to include cousins, close friends, and even neighbors who share a brotherly or sisterly bond. This inclusivity reflects the universal message of love and protection that a festival suggests. And this is how festivals contribute to strengthen the concept of unity amongst the people in the country they live in. Festivals, by their nature, bring people together regardless of their differences, symbolizing shared values and connections. This collective spirit of celebration and togetherness contributes significantly to reinforcing the notion of unity among the inhabitants of a particular country. In other words, festivals have the power to unite people from diverse backgrounds under a common theme of festivity and mutual respect, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and harmony within the nation.
In short, Raksha Bandhan stands as a testament to the enduring nature of sibling relationships. It is a celebration that summarizes the values of love, care, and commitment, and serves as a reminder of the essential role that family plays in our lives. As the sacred thread is tied and the promises are exchanged, Raksha Bandhan highlights the beauty of human relationships and the cherished ties that bind us all.
The writer is Former Fellow, IIAS,Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, Ex-Member, Hindi Salahkar Samiti, Ministry of Law & Justice (Govt. of India), Senior Fellow, Ministry Of Culture (Govt.of India)
