‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means bound. Thus 'Raksha Bandhan' means 'Bond of Protection'.
On Raksha Bandhan day, the sisters tie a 'rakhi' (a silken thread) on their brothers' wrist. This is a symbol of their love and respect for their brothers. Rakhi also signifies that the sisters pray for long life and well-being of their brothers.
The brothers, in turn take a vow to always take care and protect their sisters from all evils and dangers. As a token of their love, the brothers either give cash or other gifts to their sisters.
The festival was actually started by our Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore by tying a rakhi on a fellow countryman's wrist. He did this to promote brotherhood and equality among the citizens of India.
Since then, this festival is celebrated with great spirit and emotion by the people of India. Every year all the brothers and sisters look forward to this festival with great zeal and excitement.
Traditionally, this festival is celebrated by our Hindu brothers and sisters. In an era which is marked by movements for women’s liberation and rights, Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated as a festival that promotes brotherly-sisterly concerns and appreciates the complimentary gifts of a man and woman.
Raksha Bandhan is known by different names in different parts of the country. But however the essence of the festival remains the same and that is to celebrate the sacred brother-sister bond.
This year, Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated on August 15. It coincides with Independence Day.
Jubel D'Cruz,
Mumbai, India
