|
Rakhee
a decorative string which bonds brothers and sisters forever in a bond
of love ! The
hindi word "Raksha" means protection and "Bandhan"
means a knot, bond or a tie. This is a celebration of brother's
promise to take care of his sister ! 
The origin of Raksha Bandhan is not really known but it is celebrated
with joy and excitement in the Hindu month of Shravan the full moon
day - Shravan Poornima.
This festival
celebrates this meaningful bond between a brother and his sister or
sisters as sisters all over tie a colorful thread on to their brothers
wrist. The tying of this simple knot signifies the deep love and
commitment that the brother has towards always protecting his sister
from any physical and mental harm. The thread or Rakhi promises to protect the brother from evil. He in turn vows to look after his sister and protect her all his life.
Raksha Bandhan transcends more than just the brother-sister bond. Throughout history, Indian women have tied rakhi on men they have considered their spiritual brothers.
The tying of a Rakhi by a woman on
the wrist of any man signifies his religious duty of the highest order, to protect that woman.
He would then put his life at stake to protect the honor of that
woman. Such is the "strong bond" between brothers and
sisters.
Although Raksha
Bandhan is observed between real brothers and sisters this day also
brings together cousins together and also sisters and brothers who are
not related to each other but share a brotherly bond with each other.
The bond between sisters and brothers is so strong that the festival
of Raksha Bandhan is not forgotten even as brothers and sisters are
separated by distances. Sisters still remember and send a real Rakhee
by snail mail or an E-Rakhee via the wonderful E-cards or
e-mail. And most brothers reciprocate by sending their beloved
sisters a gift!
The
Ceremony
Aarti is done
to the brother while the sister applies a tall red "tikka"
with "Kum Kum" on his forehead. The word Aarti comes from
the Sanskrit word "Aratrik" Performing aarti means placing a
"diya" or oil lamp on to a "thalla" or platter
and waving it before a person...in this case the brother three
times around in a clockwise direction. This is sometimes accompanied
by the chanting of mantras. At this time the brother waves his hand
over the "diya" and does namaskar to the "Diya".
The aarti is performed so that the blessings of God may be showered
upon him. After the conclusion of the aarti ceremony, the sister
usually places an Indian sweet in his mouth. After this the
sister ties a Rakhee on to her brothers right wrist. This simple tying
of the Rakhee is steeped in tradition and emotion as both brother and
sister feel the love and bond between them.
"Accept
my blessing and affection through this sacred thread which strengthens
our relationship"
This is a
very fun time for the sisters as they get showered with either gifts
or money from their brothers. So If you have many brothers then is a
wonderful time for you as its "present time". Usually a sum
of Rupees 51, 101, 251, or 501 is given.
Nowadays here
in the USA many friends get together to share this festival among
their kids. At this time instead of money, age appropriate gifts are
given. To reciprocate many times the girls too give the brothers
something. This is unusual and not usually done in India.
The
Rakhee
A
Rakhee can be made as simple as a red thread or as elaborate as to be
embellished with beads, semi-precious stones with golden or silver
threads. Rakhis are available in different sizes, colors and shapes
from the typical red threads with round middles to heart shaped - symbolizing
the bond of love. Venture out into any market in
India and you will be awestruck by the numerous choices that re
available. The striking designs and colors are breathtaking. Rakhees
are an extension of an artists expression within which lie wonderful feelings and well wishes.
The
Origin of Raksha Bandhan
Legend has it that there was a fierce battle between the Gods and the
demons in which the demons seemed to be in a favorable position. Indra,
the king of gods, became anxious and asked Bruhaspathi to suggest a
way out. Meanwhile, Indrani (wife of Indra) who was around at the time
of consultation spoke her mind even before Bruhaspathi could strike
upon an idea. She assured them of turning the tables in the gods'
favor. Next day was the Sravan Poornima. She consulted some old
scriptures and prepared a talisman, which she tied to her husband's
wrist. Indra went to the battlefield again and the enemies, who had
seemed so powerful, now beat a quick retreat and the gods were
victorious.
Ever since, on
Sravan Poornima
day, the tradition of tying the thread
began and it was believed that the persons would be blessed with
health, wealth, happiness and victories. Sisters tied rakhi to their
brothers asking for protection. While the sisters prayed for their
brothers' welfare, the latter vowed to take care of them even if it
called for some sacrifice on their part.
The Rajputs also practiced this ritual. At the time of war when the
brave Rajput soldiers prepared to go to the battlefield, the women
folk followed the ritual of tying a thread around their wrists after
applying a dash of vermilion powder on their forehead. This was
considered a sign of good omen and the ladies believed that it would
protect their men from the enemy's blow and bring them victory.
During the Freedom Struggle, many young women tied rakhis around the
wrists of young men and made them pledge their lives, their youth,
their careers, their ambitions and even their dreams to the struggle
for the freedom of their motherland from the shackles of slavery of
British imperialism. It is probably for this very season that the
great leader of Bengal, Surendranath Bannerji endeavored to elevate
this important festival of Raksha-Bhandhan to the status of a
National Festival.
.........
|
