Raksha-Bandhan

 “Raksha-Bandhan” the strong and pure bond between brother and sister. Raksha Bandhan is an ancient festival, and has many myths and historic legends linked to it. For example, the Rajput queens practiced the custom of sending Rakhi threads to neighboring rulers as a token of brotherhood. It comes on full moon day of Shravan month.

Raksha Bandhan is not only for meant for siblings, but for protection for any loved one. 'Raksha' means protection and 'bandhan' means bond. Hence the festival does not signify the bond between a brother and sister only.

             Once Indra, the God of Heaven was about to go into battle and was feeling a little apprehensive. When his wife tied a sacred thread to his arm for his protection and assurance all his fears vanished and he was successful in all his endeavors. From then on began the tradition by celebrating Raksha Bandhan. A festival of protection for loved ones. I think people are being led away from the true meanings of some happenings because they follow traditions, instead of finding the true meaning and stems of these traditions.

On this occasion sister ties a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist. Not only the Rakhi but she pours it with her blessings and prayers which are the strongest amongst anything.  She applies Tilak on his forehead and feed him with sweets. In opposite brother gives surety to protect her sister throughout their life and give her all the happiness that she deserves. This festival is of sweetness, purety and a true relationship. This makes their bond stronger and even stronger.

Once the Rakhi has been tied, the sister says a prayer for the well-being - good health, prosperity and happiness - for her brother. This ritual sometimes involves an aarti, where a tray with lighted lamp or candle is ritually rotated around the brother's face, along with the prayer and well wishes.

I guess brother and sister’s bond is the best friendship bond that I have ever seen. They fight it like an enemy, care it like a friend and support like parents. The sisters don’t even forget to send their Rakhi to their brothers, even they have settled down somewhere else in the world. It's like celebrating the  a strong bond with your first partner in every crime you have made.

This festival is not only the day of joy or happiness, but it is also the day of prosperity, loving each other and believing their bonds to make it very stronger and always been there to stand by each other’s side.

 

Together – together we grow older,                    

Slowly - slowly we come closer and  make it longer,

I don’t know what to say,                                                       

There is a bond which makes us stronger,

Because there is no one like brother and sister.