Amit Desai

Rakhi- A bond of love

This article discusses the importance of the festival of Rakhi.  How it acts as a bond of love between a brother and sister. 

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the important festivals celebrating the bond of love between a brother and a sister. In India where interpersonal relationships have always been given utmost importance Raksha Bandhan has been a significant event from historic times. It’s an auspicious occasion where a sister ties a thread on the right hand of a brother called “Rakhi” or a “protection strand”. The tying of the Rakhi on the hand of the brother is not just about tying a thread . It carries a deeper meaning. The sister ties the Rakhi and asks for love, affection and protection from her brother. The brother, in return, also vows to protect his sister during all eventualities.

The relationship between a brother and a sister are among the best within human beings. A sister is selfless while thinking the best for her brother . When a brother is a toddler she assumes the role of a mother helping him to learn the basics of life. When he grows a bit older and the joys and pangs of life become apparent she steps in to the shoes of a friend. This friendship grows stronger and an eternal bond is established. In times when a sister is younger, a brother takes it upon himself to teach her all the good values of life and to infuse a lot of happiness. He tries to meet all the wishes of his small sister. A vibrant smile on her face is treasured in the deep chambers of his heart.

It is not always between the brothers and sisters of blood relation that Raksha Bandhan is celebrated. The bond of love travels far beyond. A lady can tie a Rakhi on the hand of a man whom she thinks worthy enough to rely as a brother. In a world where complexity in life and politics has been the order of the day, Rakhi can usher in a welcome change. One just needs to make a journey down the pages of history to know how this ceremony has saved lives during wars and inspired mass movements. Documented history states that during the famous battle between Porus and Alexander, Alexander’s wife approached Porus, tied a Rakhi on his hand and requested him not to kill Alexander. Porus responded to this noble gesture and refrained from delivering a final blow on Alexander during a dual combat. It was the love and dependence of a woman who chose to declare Porus as her brother that saved Alexander’s life. Noble laureate, Rabindranath Tagore used tying of the Rakhi thread to inculcate a bond of human love and understanding in trying times. In 1905 an evil political design on the part of the colonial masters threatened to divide Bengal. Tagore devised a unique way of protest. Rakhis were tied on the hands of the people of different religions and cultures to unify a mass against a Machiavellian design.

Today the world is increasingly being mechanized with less time being devoted to depth of feelings and emotions. Time is money! However, it is heartening to see that importance of Rakhi has not diminished a bit. Nowadays, professional necessity and other needs have made a lot of sisters and brothers to travel to different parts of the globe, but this has failed to make any impact on the pure bond which always binds them together.

Rakhi was, Rakhi is and Rakhi will always be about love, love and greater love.

Article Tags: Raksha Bandhan

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