History of Raksha Bandhan..
HISTORY OF RAKSHA BANDHAN
The relationship
between a brother and a sister is one of love and caring.
It is called Rakhi
Purnima, or simply Rakhi,
in many parts of India. The festival is
observed by Hindus, Jains,
and many Sikhs. Raksha Bandhan is primarily observed
in India, Mauritius, major parts of Nepal and also some Non Resident Indian people and Non Resident Nepali around the world. And also among all people,
irrespective of their religion, in West Bengal.
Rakhi ritual
On the morning of Raksha
Bandhan, the brothers and sisters get together, often in nice dress in the
presence of surviving parents, grandparents and other family members.
If the sister and brother are
geographically separated, the sister may mail the Rakhi ahead of the Raksha
Bandhan day, along with a greeting card or letter wishing her brother well.
Raksha Bandhan is an ancient festival, and has many myths
and historic legends linked to it. For example, the Rajput queens practiced the custom of sending
Rakhi threads to neighboring rulers as token of brotherhood.
On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a Rakhi (sacred thread) on her brother's
wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's
well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her. The festival falls
on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Shravan month of the Hindu Nepali calendar.
The festival is also an occasion to celebrate
brother-sister like family ties between cousins or distant family members, sometimes between biologically unrelated men and women. To many, the festival transcends
biological family, brings together men and women across religions, diverse
ethnic groups and ritually emphasizes harmony and love.
