Rakhi: Strengthening Sibling Bond
In India , relationships are very important and their bonding is celebrated with great joy and fervor. It strengthens the bonding within a relationship. Raksha Bandhan is one such festival which is pure reflection of affection between a brother and sister. Though this is a Hindu festival but people of other religions also celebrate this festival and due to this it has become more of social festival rather than a religious one. It is called by different names in different parts of India ; Rakhi Purnima, Kajri Purnima, Avani Purnima or in South Indian, it is called as Avani Avittam and in the west it is called as Nariel Purnima.
Meaning Of Raksha Bandhan:
Raksha Bandhan means a bond of Protection. On this day, brothers pledge to protect their sisters from any trouble by any means and sisters also pray for the well being and prosperity of their brothers. This pledge is confirmed by tying a holy string on the wrist of brother by sister and applying Tilak (red vermilion mark) on brother’s forehead. This festival is reflection of mutual love. There are many legends associated with Raksha Bandhan from Hindu mythology.
Date of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of shravan according to Hindu calendar. This falls in the month of August.
Celebration of Raksha Bandhan:
Though every body love this festival but this festival has special place in heart of married sisters as this is the day to rekindle deepest emotions for their brothers. Rakhi, the tread of affection, may be a simple holy red thread or it may be very expensive and decorative thread made up of jewels.
Markets get flooded with all kinds and with exquisite range of Rakhis and people buy them according to their purchasing power. More than price and decoration of Rakhi, pure affection matters, this anyways gets reflected by emotions.
Brothers and sisters of all ages, kids or grown ups, wear fancy clothes and sisters wear their jewelry and makeup. Sisters gift Indian traditional sweets to their brothers and brothers offer gift to their sisters.
