Raksha Bandhan symbolises the beautiful relation shared by brothers and sisters, and stands for a lifelong promise of protection. The origin of the festival dates back 6,000 years with the Aryan civilisation. There also are several stories linking it with the past mythology of the Hindus.
One of the well known stories about the festival is that of Rani Karnavati of Chittor and Mughal Emperor Humayun. The widowed queen, when under attack by Bahadur Shah, realised she wouldn't be able to protect her empire. So, in lieu of protection, she sent a rakhi to the Emperor, who was so overwhelmed that he, along with his troops set to protect Chittor from Shah's invasion. It is since then that the act of a sister tying a rakhi on her brother's wrist indicated lifelong protection from him.
Another reference to the festival takes it back to 300 BC, when Alexander invaded India. The Conqueror was believed to be shaken by the fury of Indian King Puru. Upset by this, his wife who was aware about the significance of the festival, approached Puru, who accepted her rakhi, and backed out from war with Alexander when opportunity knocked. According to Indian mythology, when Lord Krishna killed evil King Shishupal, he was hurt and left with a bleeding finger. Draupadi tore a piece of cloth from her sari and tied it around his wrist to stop the bleeding. That was the moment when Krishna declared himself bounded by her sisterly love, and promised to repay her debt. Which he did, when the Pandavas lost Draupadi in a game of dice.
Like every Indian festival, even this one is marked with several rituals that vary in different regions of India. Indian women shop for rakhis, a colourful thread, to tie around their brothers' wrist. Men reciprocate to the gesture by buying their sisters a gift. Traditionally, women pray for the well being, good health, prosperity and happiness of their brothers. The earliest examples of Rakhi prayers can be found in the Vishnu Purana. Raksha Bandhan is one of the most beautiful examples of what 'family' means to every typical Hindu.
Asian Voice wishes everybody a Happy Raksha Bandhan.
