Rakshabandhan: The Celebration of Sibling Love

Rakshabandhan: The Celebration of Sibling Love

Rakshabandhan is one of India’s most well-known festivals. Regardless of their social status, Hindus from different backgrounds participate in this festival.

The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month known as Shravana Poornima, which additionally coincides with Upa-karma (Avani Avittom in South India) – the changing of the sacrosanct string of Brahmins.

On this day, sisters tie the sacred thread called Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers. The thread binds the brothers to the sacred oath of protecting their sisters from all harm. In return, the sisters pray for the long life of the brothers.

There is dependably a positive sentiment connected to this custom.

Rakshabandhan is widely celebrated in North India. There are numerous fables and memorable legends related to this festival, yet the historical backdrop of this event can be found in the Hindu mythologies.

As per the Mahabharata, which is an extraordinary Indian epic, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tore a strand of her sari and wrapped it on an injured finger of Lord Krishna to prevent blood loss. Krishna then promised Draupadi

that he will come to her aid whenever she is in trouble. Though Krishna and Draupadi were not related, they treated each other as sibling.

In this way, the bond amongst brother and sister developed.

The Ritual On this auspicious day, a plate (thali) is decked up with rakhi, turmeric-laced rice (roli), earthen lamp, desserts and even some cash. The brother sits at a designated place cleaned and decorated for the simple ceremony which begins with tilak. After the completion of a worship of Gods, the sister put a tilak on the brother’s temple by applying roli. She then prays to God for her brother’s long life while tying the rakhi on his right wrist.

It’s all about love This festival is just a way to celebrate love between the siblings. They may fight all the time but they would fight for each other if the time comes. It’s a symbol of pure love that siblings share and how they protect each other from the hardships of life.

Though traditionally understood as a brother’s oath to protect the sister, Rakhi actually binds the siblings to an eternal bond wherein each must ensure the safety of the other. It is like a shield that siblings provide to each other, affirming that they stand for each other no matter what. There is also an exchange of learning between siblings.

Rakshabandhan is a festival to cherish the bond siblings share. Show your sibling love this Rakhi with Pinaken Gifts for Girls. Have a happy Rakshabandhan!