SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Literally translated, raksha means protection while bandhan means bond. Raksha Bandhan, therefore, signifies the bond of love out which comes a sense of security and protection. It falls on Purnima or full moon day in the month of Shravan according to Hindu Calendar. The festival is most common among the Hindus. However, it is also celebrated by the Sikhs, Jains and other communities. Regional celebrations may be different but Raksha Bandhan has become an integral part of those customs. The festival has been celebrated in the same way with the same traditions for centuries. Only the means have changed with the changing lifestyles. In Indian tradition, the frangible thread of rakhi is considered even stronger than an iron chain as it strongly binds brothers and sisters in the circumference of mutual love and trust. There are several historical evidences, which remind us about the significance of this festival and every time, this festival emphasises the same values which have been mingled along with the festival. Raksha Bandhan is mentioned in our epics as a festival of Gods.
It is said that once Indra, the God of Heaven was about to go into battle and was feeling a little apprehensive. When his wife tied a sacred thread to his arm for his protection and assurance all his fears vanished and he was successful in all his endeavours. The most ancient incident refers to the invasion of Alexander the Great. Accordingly to the another story, Puru was a mighty king. Alexander had to face a great resistance from him. Worried about her husband’s safety, Alexander’s wife sought audience with King Puru. She requested him to accept her as his sister. Puru obliged her and promised not to harm Alexander. The Rakhi on Puru’s hand is said to be the saviour of Alexander.
On Raksha Bandhan, the sister ties a rakhi, comprising sacred threads, on her brother’s wrist and performs an aarati. While tying the rakhi, the girls chant
“Yena baddho Balee raajaa
daanavendro mahaabalah
tena twaam anubadhnaami
rakshe maa chala maa chala”
Means “I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter.” It is the duty of every brother to protect his sister. The sister prays for the well-being, success, and safety of her brother. The brother promises to safeguard his sister under all circumstances. It helps to build a healthy family relationship. Today, the festival goes much beyond real brothers and sisters to any two individuals who enjoy a deep relationship. So you are likely to see a woman tie a rakhi to her cousins, neighbours and close friends.
Thus Raksha Bandhan, like all other Indian festivals, is a call to the Divine Self within. So let us pledge, on this day, to commit ourselves to dedicating our actions to our goal of self-betterment, harbouring finer emotions and developing the clarity to see the permanence in and through the transience of the world. The rakhi is not a band of love; it is a knot of subordination. The finer points of Raksha Bandhan is to bring people together just like the true spirit of all other Indian festivals.
