With Rakhi round the corner, on 28th Aug, I’d just like to share my thoughts and the relevance of this traditional ritual / festival even today.
Rakhi is that wonderful time of the year, when we celebrate our brothers! The love between a brother and sister, is an unparalleled bond, and we as Indians, should be proud of this wonderful legacy. In today’s fast paced life, most of us do away with rituals, have no time for age-old traditions and continue to live our life in the fast lane.
Rakhi is a traditional festival with a deep meaning, and we should take the time to tell our children the deeper meaning behind the celebration, and reinforce the love between a brother and sister.
It is always celebrated on the full moon day ( Purnima ) in the month of Shravan. The sister ties the holy thread or Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, with much love and affection. With this thread, she prays for her brother’s long life, wishes him good health and prosperity. The brother, on his part offers his sister a life long commitment, to always protect her and stand by her in good and bad times.
If someone does not have a real brother, they can tie the Rakhi to a cousin or any male, who they consider as a brother. When Rani Karnavati of Chittor sought protection, she sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun, who, on his part, is known to have abandoned a military campaign he was immersed in, and he came to the rescue of his sister. Rakhi is also tied to show solidarity and kinship. Religion has no role to play in it.
In these troubled times of violence, arson and destruction, shouldn’t we take the initiative, and teach our children this simple lesson of love?
- Anupam
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