Rakhi: The Thread of Love
Raksha Bandhan (Hindi: रक्षाबंधन, the bond of protection), or Rakhi (राखी), is a festival primarily observed in India, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters.The central ceremony involves the tying of a rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her.
The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. 'Raksha Bandhan' or 'Rakhi' is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. It means 'a bond of protection', and Raksha Bandhan signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that’s evil.
The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, on which sisters tie the sacred Rakhi string on their brothers' right wrists, and pray for their long life. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted embroidered sequins, and studded with semi precious stones.
There are no clear indications of when Raksha Bandhan actually originated, but some believe that that the practice stems from the ritual of wearing the sacred thread (yagnopaivitam) since ancient times.
According to another story, Indira's wife Sachi tied a rakhi to Indira when he was on the verge of losing his heavenly realm in a long drawn war against the demons. This ensured Indira's victory. Yet another account has it that Yamuna, the sister of Lord Yama would tie a rakhi to him on the occasion of Shravan Purnima. Since then, this became the acceptable norm and sisters began tying a rakhi on their brother's wrists as a custom.
There is also an interesting story about Krishna, who hurt his finger while aiming the Sudarshan Chakra at Shishupala. It is said that Draupadi immediately rushed to tie a strip from her sari to stop the bleeding. Later when Draupadi was subjected to utter humiliation in the court of the Kauravas, Lord Krishna protected her from the disgrace.
According to another story, Lord Indira, who is the ruler of the heavens, was on the verge of losing a battle against the demon Vritta after a twelve year long war. At this stage, Indira's wife Shachi tied a rakhi around Indira's wrist, thus ensuring victory.
Another account from medieval history has it that Rajput queens have sent rakhis to Mughal kings for their protection. Queen Karnavati had sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun requesting protection from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat.
