Guiding Light
Bond of LOVE
India is a country whose culture is reflected through various festivals. In this unique country, during every month and every season, there is some or the other festival through which one can see a glimpse of the country’s rich culture. Raksha Bandhan is one such distinctive festival that falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Shravan month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is a symbol of brother’s love for his beloved sister.
Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival, but a symbol of our traditions and culture that keeps us connected with our family sacraments. The original spirit of this festival lies in two words: ‘Raksha’ which means to protect and ‘Bandhan’ which means binding or bonding. So, in simple words, to bind oneself for protecting someone is “Raksha Bandhan’. On this day the sister ties silken thread of rakhi on her brother’s wrist, thereby metaphorically strengthening the bond of love that exists in their relation and in return, the brother makes a promise to the sister to protect her lifelong from all kind of problems.
With the passage of time, this festival has acquired different expressions and connotations. In present times where glamour is ruling people’s heart and mind, there has been a major change observed in man’s attitude and approach towards this festival, as a result of which mutual feelings of love, affection and most importantly piousness has completely disappeared, because of which the current generation is asking questions like: How can one protect somebody by getting a thread on his wrist which is easily breakable? Do such rituals seem practical in today’s modern world? Those who are posing these questions must understand that ‘Rakhi’ is merely not a cotton thread but a sacred obligation to protect modesty and also explains the importance of restraint in life. While tying rakhi on her brother’s hand, a sister does not just seek protection for herself only, No! She keeps much higher spirit of seeking protection for entire female community. Along with this, she also prays to Lord in her heart that her beloved brother becomes liberated from vices of lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego and attains true peace and happiness in life. Thus, it is important for those so-called practical people to realise that tying rakhi is just a symbolic gesture, what’s important is feelings of good wishes and prayers that come out from a sister’s heart and which further acts like a shield of protection for her brother.