Raksha bandhan is a festival which celebrates the bond of a brother and sister. It is a very common and and widely celebrated occasion. This festival does not occur on a specific day of the year. It is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. All the brothers and sisters wait for this festival very eagerly throughout the year. It does not matter that you are a kid or an adult, all brothers and sisters celebrate this festival. It strengthens their bond as well. ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means bond, together the festival symbolizers the eternal love of brother and sister relationship. It is also celebrated between cousins. Raksha bandhan is celebrated by following the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated in the month of Saawan and people celebrate this festival at the last day of the month. This festival is usually celebrated around August. This festivals at all strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. This festival spreads peace and brotherhood in society. It si also celebrated between siblings, cousins and distant family members to express love, care and affection towards each other. Even in the markets the beauty of this festival starts to appear many days in advance as each shop is decorated with flowers, beautiful rakhis are placed in the shops, already packed gifts are also there, many different – different varities of chocolates are also there…. Everything looks beautiful. On this day atmosphere is full of love and togetherness. Do you know the tradition of raksha bandhan is going on from many years. Even sisters make arkhi for their brothers at home by giving it own design, colour etc.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan
As we all know, siblings have a very special place in our hearts. They always support us, protect us and help us through troubled times. The bond of brother and sister is very unique. Both brother and sister have a lot of care for each other. No matter how much they fight with each other, they always stand behind them in support. Raksha Bandhan is all about celebrating this bond. It serves as a symbol of love and togetherness between them. On this day both sister and brothers show their love towards each other. Every brother and sister are always very excited to celebrate this occasion.
Hinduism- The festival raksha bandhan is celebrated by the hindus in northern and western part of India along with countries like Nepal, Pakistan and Maurities.
Jainism- The occasion of raksha bandhan is also revered by the jain community where jains give ceremonial threads to the devotees.
Sikhism- This festival of raksha bandhan devoted to brothers and sisters love is observed by trhe Sikhs as “Rakhdi” or “Rakhari”.
When it is celebrated
It is celebrated in the month of Savan. It generally occurs in the month of August. It does not occurs on the same day each year. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Savan with great joy and happiness.
Why is it celebrated
It was initially established by Rabindranath Tagore. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated to celebrate the bond of a brother and a sister. It marks the uniqueness of this bond and gives them a day to celebrate their love and confidence for each other. The sister prays for the safety of her brothe. In return brother gives her gifts and blesses her with good wishes. The rakhi is considered to be a chain which is stronger and ties the bond with trust and love.
How do people celebrate Raksha Bandhan
The preparations for this occasion begins before a week, brothers go and purchase gifts and sisters purchase or sometimes make rakhi at home by themselves. Many food items are prepared on this loving day. Both brother and sister mostly wear new clothes. First of all on this occasion the sisters decorate a pooja thali and keeps kumkum, diya rice, sweets and Rakhi in it. She ties a sacred thread called rakhi on his brother’s wrist and prays for her brothers long lasting life. Brother’s in return, give gifts to their sisters and pledge to protect them for all their life. The sisters living at far places, on that day go to their brothers and tie rakhi. The brothers keep a surprise gift to give their sisters when they tie rakhi. Sometimes sisters are unable to come to their brothers then they send rakhi by couriers. This festival is also celebrated by making delicious during that day.
At all it is a great festival and is celebrated with lots of joy, love and affection.
By Simrat Kaur, Age 13, Ludhiana Punjab
