Raksha Bandhan, the beautiful occasion that honours the deep bond of love between brother and sister, is being celebrated all over the country today, August 22. The word Raksha Bandhan roughly gets translated to ‘protection’ and ‘bond’. Every year Rasksha Bandhan is celebrated with great zeal especially by sisters as they recieve exciting gifts from their brothers.
‘Rakhi’ symbolises the sacred thread of protection tied on the right wrists of brothers by sisters, traditionally. Dedicated to the wonderful relationship between all brothers and sisters, Raksha Bandhan is an auspicious festival that occurs on a full moon day (Purnima) during the Sawan month, according to Hindu Panchang.
As per the Hindu mythology, Draupadi had been very gracious and prompt to tear a piece of cloth from her saree and tie it around Lord Krishna’s injured finger when it bled. (In an instance mentioned in Mahabharata, Krishna is said to have suffered an injury in his finger from his ‘sudarshan chakra’, accidentally after the Rajsuya Yagya before building Indraprastha.) Draupadi’s heartwarming action to tend to Krishna’s injury was a selfless act of love and devotion. Overwhelmed by her gesture, Krishna promised to always protect her.
Since theRaksha Bandhanhan became a custom or a symbol of gratitude, security, love between siblings.
It is the vow to be there for each other, during dire circumstances, and ensure protection that forms the essence or signifies the Raksha Bandhan. Rakhi is a way to show respect, warmth, affection between siblings. It honours the sanctity of sibling love.
