The Ancient Brother-Sister Bond of Rakshabandhan
On the joyous occasion of Rakshabandhan, watch our latest video to learn about its rich history and also tips on how to celebrate it during the COVID pandemic.
Raksha Bandhan is a festival dedicated to the love and affection between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana (July/August). On this day sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers and pray for their long life and happiness. Brothers in turn give a gift and a promise that they will protect their sisters from any harm. The history of Rakshabandhan dates back to Hindu mythology. It is believed that the first rakhi was tied by Draupadi to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna had cut his little finger. Watching Krishna bleed profusely, Draupadi cut off a part of the loose end of her sari and tied it on his finger. In return Krishna promised to protect her and fulfills his promise during her disrobing.
In history too there are stories of celebrating Rakshabandhan.
Queen Karnavati ruled Mewar, Rajasthan in the name of her son. When Bahadur Shah of Gujarat attacked Mewar, Karnavati wrote to Mughal Emperor Humayun for help by sending him a rakhi and requested for protection. Humayun left everything and went to help Karnavati. He was heartbroken when he could not reach on time and Mewar army was defeated and Karnavati had immolated herself in Jauhar.
Another historical story is of Rabindranath Tagore and Raksha Bandhan. In 1905 at the time of Partition of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore started Rakhi Mahotsavas to celebrate mass Raksha Bandhan to strengthen the bond of love and togetherness between Hindus and Muslims of Bengal. The Muslim women tied rakhi to the Hindu men and vice versa. This tradition continues in parts of West Bengal as people tie rakhi to their neighbours and close friends.
This year Raksha Bandhan is on 3rd August. The cases of coronavirus are increasing. So it is not a good idea to travel during this time. Not being able to meet your brother or sister may be disheartening. But that does not mean that you cannot celebrate the festival this year.
We will give you some ideas of celebrating the festival with the same fun.
1) Send a rakhi to your brother either through online portals or through courier.
2) It is not possible to physically meet; the best way is to celebrate it over a video call.
3) Order rakhi gifts online on the web. The online site gives rakhi discounts and combos that can be sent nationally and internationally. E- Cards, customized video messages, customized gifts also are good gifting options.
4) Wear traditional clothes to feel the festival vibes.
5) If you don’t wish to purchase desserts from outside, make them at home. There are many recipes available on the internet. Surprise your siblings with these homemade desserts on a video call.
6) Take out the pictures of previous rakhi festivities. Recall the collections and have a ton of fun.
