Rakshabandhan, The Symbol Of Sibling Love

By Author: Luther King
Total Articles: 449
Comment this article

India is indeed a land of celebrations and festivals. Any occasion is a cause for celebration and sharing. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi as it is commonly called is the commemoration of sibling love or the strong emotional ties between brothers and sisters.
Raksha Bandhan literally means the bondage of protection. The festival is celebrated in the second week of August or more specifically on the day of the full moon in August. The Hindi month of Shravan falls in August and Rakhi is celebrated on Shravan Purnima. Hence, this festival is also called Rakhi Purnima and is predominantly celebrated by people belonging to Hinduism and Sikhism.
References in Epics
Indian epics give substantial proof that the Raksha Bandhan was celebrated even during the olden times. The occasion of wars was regarded as the ideal time to apply the sacred tilak on the forehead of the heroes by their sisters before they set out for war. The ceremonial band was tied to their wrists as a reminder that the women will be praying for their safe and victorious return.
The association with history
The history of India during the Mughal ...
... Empire also has evidences of the practice of Raksha Bandhan. During the regime of Mughal Emperor Humayun, his help was solicited by the widowed queen of Chitoor Rani Karnavadi to defend and protect her kingdom in the absence of her husband. Rani Karnavadi sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun who, realizing the significance of the custom, vowed to extend all military assistance to protect Chitoor.
This action of the Rani gave immense impetus to the spreading of the custom of Raksha Bandhan.
The rituals followed for Rakhi
The common practices that are connected with Raksha Bandhan include the feeding of sweets by the sister to her brother. Then she ties the heavily decorated disc of Rakhi to her brother’s wrists. In return, he will present her with gifts. By tying the Rakhi, a wordless promise is made by the girl that she would love and cherish the relationship with her brother and would pray for his welfare for ever.
The male sibling is expected to be her ever vigilant guardian and protector. Thus it is a mutual give and take that is done here.
The gifts of Rakhi
The most important part of the celebration of Rakhi is the giving of gifts by the brother. The sisters wait for it expectantly with pleasure. The commonly given gifts are envelopes containing cash or money. At times, saris and salwars are also gifted for Rakhi.
Greeting cards containing beautiful messages of sisterly love are another item of gift. Sweets like Jalebi and ladoos and chocolates are also given. The items that are gifted have undergone vital changes with the passing of time.
Any item can be gifted for Rakhi at present. A common trend now-a-days is to give designer gifts or Raksha Bandhan hampers. The price tag can be hefty but any female would surely cherish such a special gift with all her heart.
This special festival reminds us of the special and unique relationship that exists between brothers and sisters around the world.

Luther King writes articles on gift ideas, tips on rakhi gifts to eluru and rakhi gifts to kakinada.