Raksha Bandhan Essay

One of the oldest Indian festivals is the Raksha Bandhan celebration. Raksha-Bandhan means "the link of protection," a thread that guards the brother against any misfortune. This festival honours the loving relationship between a brother and a sister. This is an occasion to celebrate this loving relationship known as Raksha Bandhan, which is also celebrated in Nepal and Mauritius by the same name; this festival is woven concurrently with social, mythological, theological, and historical sentiments. In India, the celebration of Rakhi has been observed for generations. Sisters now bring chocolates, sweets and Rakhi to their brother's residence at this event. Brothers give their sisters money or gifts after their sister ties the Rakhi.

When is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?

A Hindu festival called Raksha Bandhan is observed annually on the full moon day of the month of Sawan (July-August). Because it is celebrated in Shravan, it is also known as Shravani (Savani) or Sao (Sawan). Sisters pray for their brother's good health and long life by tying a sacred thread known as a Rakhi on their right wrists on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. On the other hand, brothers swear to defend their sisters at any cost. Rakhi is available in the market ranging from inexpensive goods like unprocessed yarn to pricey items like gold or silver, as well as vibrant works of art and silk threads. Raksha Bandhan, however, encompasses much more than this. Rakhi is tied not just by sisters to their brother for protection but nowadays protecting the nation, the ecology, one's interests, etc., is another reason why rakhi is tied.

A Sign of Fraternal Affection

Although the bond between a brother and sister is genuinely unique, there is nothing that can match the way they look out for one another. Despite their many arguments over minor issues, the bond between a brother and a sister is unmatched. They never hesitate to help one another out. This friendship gets stronger over time as they get older and go through different stages of life. Elder sisters mentor their younger brothers, just as elder brothers are always ready to protect their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is regarded as a highly significant event for every brother and sister because of their enduring love for one another.

Preparation for Raksha Bandhan

In the morning, after taking a bath, ladies and girls decorate the plate with Rakhi and sweets. The plate also contains roli, rice, a diya, candy, flowers, and some cash in addition to the Rakhi. Boys and men get ready and sit at a place of worship or another appropriate location for the celebration. After the desired deity has been worshipped, the sister puts roli tilak on their brother's forehead, rice and flowers are sprinkled on the head, then the sister does aarti, and a rakhi is tied around his right wrist. Sister receives presents or money from the brother. Only after the ritual's completion is the variety of meals cooked for the occasion consumed by the family members on Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan emphasises presents and exceptional food and drink specialities, just like every other occasion. Typically, lunch is significant, and sisters have a habit of fasting until the Rakshabandhan ceremony is complete. This event is so thoroughly and extensively ingrained in Indian culture that, in addition to its social significance, it also impacts literature, mythology, religion, history, and the arts.

The Mythological Story of Raksha Bandhan

The beginning of the celebration of Rakhi is unknown. However, the Bhavishya Purana describes how the demons seemed to take control as the gods and demons' fight broke out. Lord Indra fled to Brihaspati in a state of terror. Indra's wife Indrani was observing everything when she sat there. With the use of mantras, she blessed a silk thread and attached it to her husband's hand. In addition, it was the day of Shravan Purnima. People think this thread's strength was the only factor in Indra's victory in this conflict. Since then, it has become customary to tie this thread on the day of Shravan Purnima. It is said that this thread can bestow prosperity, power, joy, and victory.

In the well-known historical tale of Shri Krishna and Draupadi, Krishna injured his index finger while flying a kite. Draupadi, on seeing this tore a part of her saree and tied it to Krishna's fingers in exchange for this courtesy; Shri Krishna had vowed to assist Draupadi in any situation. As a result, following the incident of Cheerharan, Krishna protected Draupadi from a disastrous event. The spirit of collaboration and mutual defence is claimed to have begun here during the Raksha Bandhan festival.

Background Story on Raksha Bandhan

Women used to tie Rajputs with silk threads in their hands and apply a kumkum tilak to their foreheads before they went into a battlefield in combat. With the hope that they and their army may return after winning the battle. There is still another well-known tale connected to Rakhi. According to legend, Rani Karmavati of Mewar was informed about Bahadur Shah's raid on Mewar. Unable to defend herself, the queen appealed for protection by sending Rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun. Despite being a Muslim, Humayun carried the stigma of Rakhi, travelled to Mewar, battled for Mewar against Bahadur Shah, and guarded Karmavati and his realm.

Additionally, the Mahabharata records that when the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira, enquired of Lord Krishna, "How can I overcome all the difficulties?" Lord Krishna replied, "Celebrate the festival of Rakhi to safeguard you and your army." He claimed that the silk thread used in Rakhi has the ability to dispel all objections. Numerous references exist to Draupadi binding Kunti to Abhimanyu and Rakhi to Krishna during this period.

Importance of Raksha Bandhan

Rakhi festival, which is primarily associated with the North and West of India, is now celebrated with the same enthusiasm all across the nation. Festivals are celebrated differently throughout India and the world, but the purpose is always the same.

Raksha Bandhan is a holiday observed in all Indian states under various names. Every area of the nation has a different view of Raksha Bandhan's importance. The meaning of Raksha Bandhan varies depending on where you are in the south and along the coast. In the north and northwest regions of India, Raksha Bandhan is observed as Rakhi Purnima. The Rakhi celebration honours the eternal love a brother and sister share. The Western Ghats States, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka all mark Raksha Bandhan as Narial Purnima. For many whose livelihoods depend on the sea, the Rakhi here signifies the start of a new season.

In the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, this celebration is known as Shravan or Kajari Purnima. Gujaratis observe Pavitropana on Raksha Bandhan. For Hindus, Rakhi is a sacred day when they all honour Lord Shiva. The culmination of all the prayers said throughout the year is Raksha Bandhan. Sisters traditionally prepare the aarti plate on the day of Rakhi, which includes a lamp, rice, roli, deep, and a Rakhi. Sisters wrap Rakhi on the wrist of the brother while they worship the gods. In addition to praying for each other's well-being and her sister's protection at all times, the brother wears a Rakhi around his wrist. In celebration of the Rakhi, sisters wish their beloved brothers a long life and make commitments to look out for them. On the Rakhi, all the brothers give their sisters gifts.

Even while this festival is still celebrated according to the same customs, throughout the years and with each new generation, the enthusiasm and celebration have grown to become a significant occasion. This ceremony is now increasingly widely observed. Raksha Bandhan is predominantly a North Indian festival that fosters strong bonds of devotion between siblings. All Indians, no matter where they may be, rejoice greatly at this event.

Conclusion

Today, this celebration serves as the identity of our culture, and every Indian takes great pride in it. It is shameful that incidences of female foeticide and infanticide still happen in a nation where the religious scriptures signify worshipping females' gods. This celebration serves as a reminder of the significance of sisters in our lives. Brothers and sisters have a unique connection to uphold this sacred tie of brother and sister; almost everyone observes this festival

For brothers and sisters, rakhi holds a special meaning. Many of these brothers and sisters cannot meet due to their hectic work schedules and personal obligations. Still, on this particular day, they undoubtedly make time for one another and enjoy these holy festivities, demonstrating the occasion's significance. This wonderful and blessed occasion should be observed with joy and moral principles while preserving the ideal.