Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan

The festival of Raksha Bandhan is an ancient tradition. Legend has it that once there was a battle between the Gods and the demons. Indra, the King of the Gods, was depressed. “The evil demons are dominating us. It seems the battle will soon slip out of our hands,” he murmured.

When his wife Shachi Devi (also called Indrani) heard this, she took a thread and chanted some sacred mantras. The thread got charged with divine powers. Shachi Devi then tied it on Indra's wrist. “This sacred thread will protect you against all dangers, my Lord!” she said. Indra regained his lost spirits and charged at the king of the demons. Led by Indra, the Gods fought valiantly. In the end, they vanquished the demons and won the battle. Indra thus conquered his enemies and re-established peace in the Heaven.

Since then, till today, people observe this festival with great devotion and zeal.

However, with the passage of time, it has undergone some changes. Nowadays, this festival celebrates the love between a brother and his sister. Raksha Bandhan (also known as Rakhi) is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August-September).

‘Raksha1 in Hindi means 'to protect1, and 'bandhan' means 'to tie'. Days before, people start making Rakhis (sacred threads). Nowadays, Rakhis decorated with silky threads, tiny gems and also gold or silver threads. On the day of the festival, women prepare traditional sweets early in the morning.

They keep the Rakhis in big plates (Thalis) and sprinkle turmeric, vermilion and rice paste on them. Then they keep the plates in front of their traditional God and pray for a long and healthy life for their brothers. After the worship, the sisters tie Rakhis on their brother's right wrist. As a token of love and gratitude, the brother gives some gift to his sister. He also vows to protect his sister against all evils and dangers. Sisters even send Rakhis by post to their brothers who are living far away from them.

In some parts of India, especially in Mumbai, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a festival to honour Varuna, the rain God. Devotees throw coconuts into the sea to appease Varuna. This occasion is famous as 'Nariyal Poornima'.

In South India, Raksha Bandhan is called 'Avani Avittam'. On this day, Brahmins change the holy thread that they wear across their chest.

History stands as a witness to many famous stories associated with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

There are incidents when ladies sent Rakhis and sought protection from such kings and princes whom they did not know at all. One such incident dates back to the time when Alexander the Great was on his expedition to conquer the world. He had won most of the countries. His next step was to enter into the Indian boundaries.

When he reached India, he had to fight a battle with King Porus on the banks of the river Hydaspes. It is said that Alexander's wife went to meet King Porus and tied a Rakhi on his wrist. “I ask for my husband's life,” she said. King Porus assured her that her husband would return safe from the battlefield.

And he indeed kept the honour of the sacred thread and his words. In the battlefield, just as King Porus raised his hand to deliver a fatal blow to Alexander, he saw the Rakhi on his own wrist. Getting reminded of the promise he had given to Alexander's wife, the great king instantly withdrew his attack. Later, Alexander went on to win the battle.

Another incident relates to the time of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. Queen Karmavati of Chittor once sent Rakhi to Humayun and sought protection against the Gujarat Sultan. Humayun was at that time engaged in an expedition against Bengal.

Keeping the honour of his 'Rakhi Sister', the emperor rushed back. His soldiers did not approve of retreat, but Humayun opposed his own soldiers, and carried out his sacred brotherly duty towards the queen.

According to ancient traditions, it is customary to tie protection threads that are sanctified with rice, turmeric, grass etc. Raksha Bandhan is an occasion that ensures the strengthening of the righteous forces against the evil ones. It not only saves from sins, diseases and dangers, but also takes away all kinds of fears.