Journey Of Raksha Bandhan From History To Recent Times

By Author: Pedrose John
Total Articles: 6
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All the festivals celebrated in India have got their roots in history and relate to some historical events or people. Before we get ourselves busy in preparing for Raksha Bandhan 2010 it is time we take a look into the history behind its origin and what are the traditions attached to it. Three different references of Raksha Bandhan are found in history and in all of them it is observed that rakhi has helped strengthen the bond of love between a brother and sister.

Three historic references related to Raksha Bandhan are as below:

- The first incident dates back to 300 BC when King Alexander attacked India and was defeated by king Peru in the first attack. Before the second war took place between the two, wife of King Alexander sent rakhi to King Peru who accepted it and promised to look after her happiness. As expected in the second war king Peru kept to his promise.

- Another historical incident related to Raksha Bandhan took place in 15th century when Rani Karnawatee of Chittor sent rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun after she was widowed by invader, sultan of Gujarat. Here again Humayun ...
... accepted the rakhi and rushed to Chittor to protect his sister from the invaders.

- The latest historical event related to Raksha Bandhan took place in 1905 when British Empire decided to divide Bengal in small parts depending on the caste of the people. In protest Kaviguru Rabindra Nath Tagore turned to Rakshabandhan to unite Hindus and Muslims in Bengal.

Raksha Bandhan is a big festival for India and is celebrated with great faith and devotion. It is known by different names like Avani Avittam / Upakramam, Kajari Purnima, Narial Purnima, Pavitropana etc in different states of India, celebrations also vary as per the names. Sisters plan for the festival by buying special rakhis and preparing pooja thalis. Brothers on the other hand plan for the festival by buying special gifts for their sisters. On the big day sister visits brother's house and ties rakhi on his wrist, in return brother gives her a gift and promises to be by her side in all phases of life.

In recent times though the importance of the festival remains unchanged there is one thing that has changed and that is the way it is celebrated. Brothers and sisters are scattered in different parts of the world and this sometimes makes it impossible for them to celebrate the festival together. Internet turns out to be a big boon for such brothers and sisters living apart and still wish to celebrate the festival. Sisters use various sites to send rakhis to their brothers and brothers use internet to send special rakhi gifts to their sisters. This ensures that they celebrate the festival thinking of each other though they are miles apart.

This Raksha Bandhan make sure that you make the festival special by sending your brothers special rakhis through internet. Brothers in return can send online rakhi gifts to their sisters.
Happy Raksha Bandhan 2010!

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