Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. The word ‘raksha’ means protection, whilst ‘bandhan’ is the verb ‘to tie’. Literally translated, it is the bond of protection. This festival has evolved over the years to include the bond in many important relationships, yet foremost, it continues to honour and uphold the relationship between a sister and brother.
This ceremony involves the tying of a raakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother’s wrist. This symbolizes the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s wellbeing and the brother’s recommitment to his vow to protect her. Unrelated boys and men who are considered to be brothers and who commit to a lifelong obligation to provide protection to the girls or women, are also specially remembered on this auspicious day and are presented with raakhis. The festival of Raksha Bandhan occurs on the full moon day in the month of Shraavana (July-August).
In Hinduism this festival is an expression of the strength and power of the family unit, the most basic institution of society. This celebration emphasises and renews the close bonds that the family shares and reminds brothers of their role of protection to their sisters who are considered to be the shakti or power and energy in the family. It is a festival that promotes brotherly and sisterly love.
The Hindu seers created this social system of Raksha Bandhan not only as a festival for siblings, with its rituals of tying the raakhi and the gift-giving by the brother, but also as a celebration of humanity. It is an observance that nurtures a sense of unity and harmony among all people. Through observances such as this, we are guided towards having a sense of responsibility for all members of society. It encourages concern and empathy for those we consider family as well as a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exists peacefully as brothers and sisters. It is one way of enhancing one’s awareness that the world is one family: “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam.”
Raksha Bandhan cuts across boundaries of race and religion. It is a festival that advances a true sense of social peace and familial unity. The values propagated by Raksha Bandhan, if inculcated by all human beings, can bring much needed relief from the social ills and other disruptive elements that deter the uplift of humanity. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which will be observed on August 25, 2018, it is hoped that the following prayer will become the personal wish of all:
Om Sahanaav-Avatu
Sahanau Bhunaktu
Saha Veeryam Karavaa-vahai
Tayjasvi Naavadheetamastu
Maa Vidvishaa-vahai
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih
Translation:
May God protect us.
May God nourish us.
May we work together.
May knowledge illumine us.
May our lives be free from animosity.
May peace be with us.
