Rakhi-the perpetual bond

Is solace anywhere more comforting than in the arms of a sister??!-Alice Walker.

India is a land of festivals. These festivals are celebrated in India with great zeal and enthusiasm from the dawn of human civilization. Every festival has its own roots and significance.

'Raksha Bandhan' is the festival of eternal bond of brother-sister affection. If we break the word 'Raksha Bandhan', we get two words- Raksha and Bandhan which means protection and tying the bond of love. It helps to protect against odds and troubles and reinforces family relationship among the siblings. It falls on the full moon day of Shravan month of Hindu calendar. Sisters prepare 'pooja thali' and worship Goddesses.

On this auspicious day, a thread is tied by the sister on the wrist of her brother and 'Tilak' and rice is marked on his forehead. Some girls even make handmade rakhis. They also prepare mouthwatering dishes and sweets for their brothers and wear new apparels. They pray for the health, wealth and prosperity of their beloved brothers. And in return of their sister's affection, the brothers give gifts to them and vow to protect their sisters. 

In this era of Rat race, where every individual has to flow his sweat to earn a good lifestyle; some of the youngsters have to go either abroad or distant cities in their own nation. In early days, it was very difficult to celebrate this eve for them. But with the blooming technology and development, everything has become controlled on our fingertips.Those siblings who can't visit each other send parcels of rakhis, rakhi cards or e-rakhis.

Well, this was the picture of the present scenario of how our festival is celebrated. If we revert back to past, then there lies a history behind this eve.

In the Vedic period, on a full moon day of 'Shravan' month of Hindus , the deities and demons were fighting a battle against each other. Unfortunately, the demons were in a stronger position as compared to deities. Lord Indra was very much anxious about the outcome of the battle. His wife Indrani could not bear his condition and prayed to almighty to help her husband. She had firm faith in God.. She prepared Talisman with her religious power and tied it around Indra's right wrist. She believed that her talisman will safeguard Indra from the attack of deities. Eventually, her faith bore fruit, and the demons lost the battle and Lord Indra was victorious.  As the talisman had  the power of shielding the person whosoever wore it, it came to be known as Raksha Sutra and the ceremony of tying it was called Raksha Bandhan.

Although this festival is celebrated with full vigor, there is a harsh reality behind this celebration. Though there is an abundant change in the commercialization and celebration field but the heart breaking truth is that there is little knowledge and more concentration on celebration of this pious festival among the present generation. 

Nowadays this festival is being celebrated just for the sake of fun and frolic. Children just tie cartoon rakhis like Chhota bheem, pokemon etc without performing any rituals and even use these as toys later on. Although rakhis of pictures of spirituality are also available but these are thrown away after few days. This offensive act of deterioration of deities must be avoided and rakhis should be immersed in water bodies.

Keeping in mind the social and cultural value of this festival, we must join hands to preserve the purity and sanctity of our rich culture. It's our sacred duty to make the present generation learn the social-religious, ethical and mythological value of festivals. We must vow to make the world, our brothers and sisters not only in theory, but also in practice. Let us use rakhi as a symbol of brotherhood.