RAKSHA BANDHAN (INDIAN FESTIVAL OF BROTHER & SISTER)
- From: "munish" <mkb_27@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 8 Aug 2006 11:20:37 -0700
Raksha Bandhan
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 Shravanon 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 endeavoured to elevate this
important festival of Raksha-Bhandhan to the status of a National
Festival.
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