It’s that time of the year when a sister gets ready to tie a rakhi around his brother’s wrist and in return, receive a cash prize or some sweets.
It’s that time of the year when a sister gets ready to tie a rakhi around his brother’s wrist and in return, receive a cash prize or some sweets.
Brother pledges his support to the sister and vows to protect her all his life. ‘Rakhis’ are bought in advance and so are the sweets.
The festival of Rakshabandhan is a Hindu festival but these days, people of all religions celebrate with greater pomp and joy and is celebrated by Indians all around the world. Rakshabandhan symbolises the bond of love and togetherness between brothers and sisters and also the concern and protection that goes into it.
So why is Rakshabandhan so important?
Rakshabandhan if broken down in two halves, we get two meanings. They are Raksha and Bandhan which mean ‘protection’ and ‘Togetherness’. This festival is well known for apparent a strong attachment between brothers and sisters.
The festival dates back to ancient times when queens used to send rakhis to their brothers as a token of love and family bonding. But times have changed and youngsters especially these days, rakshabandhan has taken a whole new concept. Originally, rakhis were just a sign of protection of a brother to his sister and the latter prays for the well-being. The brothers vow to take care by saving her from the problems in life.
But these days, with the advancement of the internet, sisters send rakhis online. Also, gifts and cash prizes have taken over by chocolate boxes and apparels. But more important than the gifts, it’s the care and love of a brother towards a sister. Rakshabandhan falls on the full moon day or Purnima of the Shravan month as per the Hindu calendar. The festival sees many rituals, which is carried different all across the world.
The Rakshabandhan eve is a happier moment for the brother and the sister.
Prior to the day, they go shopping with the sisters purchasing rakhis while their brothers purchase gifts for their lovely siblings. But in some Hindu homes, they carry certain rituals on the eve of Rakshabandhan. It starts by lighting a diya and then the ritual is carried on with prayers, aarti of the brother and then gifts, promises and feeding of sweets.
Rakshabandhan might not be as a bigger occasion as Diwali and Dusshera but the it holds a special place in the hearts of the brothers and sisters.
It’s that time of the year when a brother pledges his love and affection for his dear sister!
