Raksha Bandhan -- A bond of protection |13 August 2011

Raksha Bandhan is one such festival which celebrates the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. As per Hindu calendar, it falls in the month of August on a day of the full moon. The word 'Raksha’ means protection and the word ‘Bandhan' is the verb to tie. On this auspicious day, the sister prepares the "thali" (selection of different things) for the "pooja" (worship, ritual). The thali includes the rakhi threads, kumkum powder, rice, diya (a lamp used in rituals), agarbattis (incense sticks) and some sweets. Offerings are made to the family deities. She performs Hindu ritual song Aarti and ties a rakhi or holy thread on the wrist of her brother. She also puts kumkum powder on the forehead of her brother, makes a mark known as “tilak”, and prays for her brother’s well being. The brother promises to take care of her and protect her from all harms and troubles.

A rakhi is made of threads interwoven together; the most auspicious colours used are red and yellow. The ritual of rakhi tying has become so important that come what may, brothers and sisters try to visit each other’s place on this particular day in order to bring back the oneness of the family, binding the family together in an emotional bond of love.

In today's scenario, the day has a different perspective. The occasion involves a pledge of
lifetime practice of moral, cultural and spiritual values. Some people tie rakhi to neighbours and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of every individual. The values and the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating. The festival of Raksha Bandhan assumes all forms of Raksha or protection, of righteousness and destroyer of all sin.

The customs and traditions of Raksha Bandhan around the world are more or less the same but the only difference remains in the style of celebrations. Raksha Bandhan is an important Hindu festival and thus the Hindus residing in any part of the world try to make this festival all the more special.            
 
Sponsored by the Hindu Council of Seychelles