Rakhsha Bandhan – The Bond of Protection
Rakhsha Bandhan is a famous festival among Hindu religions, popularly known as Rakhi. This festival is widely celebrated in India and signifies the brotherhood and love among Indians, which is the true significance of Rakhsha Bandhan.
The origins of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to ancient Indian mythology and history. One of the most well-known legends is the story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi.According to the epic Mahabharata, when Draupadi’s sari was being disrobed in the royal court, she cried out to Lord Krishna for help. Krishna responded by endlessly extending the length of her sari, preserving her dignity. In gratitude, Draupadi tied a sacred thread, or “rakhi,” on Krishna’s wrist, symbolizing their eternal bond of protection and care.
This act of tying a rakhi is the core tradition of Raksha Bandhan, which literally translates to “the bond of protection.”
Rakhsha Bandhan is defined as the safety bond that shows the purity and bonding between siblings. Usually, this special Hindu festival occurs on the full moon day, in the month of Shravan, based on the Hindu calendar.
The festival is celebrated to give importance to the extraordinary relationship between the siblings and symbolize the brotherhood relationship among Indians.
There is also a famous story about King Bali and Goddess Laxmi, which also depicted the origin of the Raksha Bandhan. The Demon King Mahabali was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The devotion of king Bali made Lord Vishnu take the responsibility to protect the Kingdom. Due to which he had to leave his place in Vikindam.
The Lord Vishnu’s wife, Goddess Lakshmi, could not stay apart from her husband, so she arrived at Mahabali castle disguised as a Brahmin refugee woman. Goddess Laxmi tied Rakhi on the mahabali king’s wrist on a full moon day, also called Shravan Purnima.
After a few days, Lord Lakhi revealed her real identity, and that revelation so touched king Mahabali that he requested Lord Vishnu to accompany goddess Lakshmi to Vaikuntam. The king of mahabali castle was touched by Lord Vishnu’s affection and his family. From that day onwards, it is a tradition to invite someone’s sister on Shravan Purnima for tying the auspicious Raksha Bandhan thread.
*Significance of Raksha Bandhan*
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the most celebrated days in India. All over the country, people, irrespective of their caste and religion, celebrate this auspicious day. The celebration of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan signifies protection.
Generally, we find people all over the country going to temples and priests and getting a secret rate tied. This is hugely celebrated in the Kala Bhairava temple in Varanasi, where people tie a black thread on their wrists. We learn scenes are seen in the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir, where people are seen tying a red band around their forehead on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
According to traditions, it is said and believed that if someone maintains its sanctity, even Yagnopaveetam acts as a Raksha to the wearers. One misconception of Raksha Bandhan in India is that it can only be performed between brothers and sisters. However, this concept is not true, and even a husband or wife can tie Rakhi in each other’s hands, or a disciple can also tie Rakhi to his guru. Tying Rakhi or someone’s hand is set to increase the bond of protection, respect, and love between the two individuals irrespective of any blood relations they have with each other.
Beyond the familial bonds, the festival also symbolizes the universal ideals of harmony, mutual respect, and the triumph of good over evil. The rakhi is seen as a sacred thread that transcends all barriers and binds humanity together in a spirit of love and camaraderie.
The festival encourages us to rise above our differences, to celebrate the unique and valuable contributions of both men and women, and to foster a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation. It underscores the importance of cultivating strong family ties and extending that sense of kinship to the larger community.
Raksha Bandhan also serves as a reminder to cherish and protect the vulnerable, and to use our strength and resources to uplift and empower those in need. It is a call to embrace our shared humanity and to work together towards a more just, equitable, and harmonious world.
As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan, let us reflect on the enduring message of this festival and strive to embody the values of love, respect, and mutual support in our daily lives.
By: Mr. Santosh Kaunds (Airport Manager – Pune)
