Raksha Bandhan is one of the most popular festival celebrated in India in a grand way. It celebrates the love between siblings. On this day sisters ties the Rakhi to their brother’s wrist and pray for his long life and well being. In return the brother promises to protect her sister at all cost.
This festival find its description in Hindu scriptures. One of the popular story is the bond between Draupadi and Krishna. We all have grown up seeing the Mahabharata serial in Doordarshan. Once Krishna got accidentally injured and Draupadi tore her Saree to cover the wounds. Krishna was overwhelmed by this gesture and promised to protect her hereafter. Krishna kept her promise and when Draupadi’s saree was being pulled by Dushasana. Her 5 husbands could not come to her protection, but Krishna heard the prayers of Draupadi and as a brother came to her rescue. The length of the Saree keep on increasing and Dushasana got tired and finally gave up. In this way Krishna avoided Draupadi getting humiliated in front of the court room.
Siblings grow together fighting and loving each other. The Sibling rivalries are well known, but it is the same quarrels that bring them together. However differences exist between a brother and a sister, they will always be united in front of outsiders. It is one of the purest form of love.
This festival is very prominent in North India, but nowadays celebrated across the country. In some part of the country, girl’s parents generally don’t visit their groom’s house. On this occasion of Raksha Bandhan girl travels back to her mother’s house where she is grandly treated and she ties the Rakhi on her brother’s visit. After the festival brother drops the girl back the grooms house safely. But this tradition is kind of slowing down, as families are staying more nuclear and life has become very fast and busy.
But the importance of this festival is there and can be seen across the country and religions. Hindu and Muslim’s both celebrate this festival. In some cases two sisters tie the Rakhi to each other if they don’t have a brother.
I wish all brother and sisters out there a very happy Raksha Bandhan. If you don’t have a brother or sister, you will surely find one in your neighborhood. But please celebrate this festival with lot of love.
