Greetings of the day to one and all! Let’s observe the words closely before proceeding further. ‘Raksha’ means to protect, ‘Bandhan’ means bond. So it is a bond between a brother and his sister where the brother vows to take care of his sister(s) come what may. India as we know has a rich cultural heritage. Raksha Bandhan is one of the most joyous festivals celebrated all over India as a mark of respect for the brother-sister relationship. The day begins with puja and the sister ties a rakhi, a colourful thread, on the wrist of her brother and blesses him with long life and happiness. In turn the brother blesses the sister and vows to take care of her throughout her life, which amazingly stretches beyond her marriage too. The thread draws a connection through and through and ties the siblings in infinite love that knows no boundaries. It is a strange phenomenon where a sister takes for granted that she will have a protected life in the presence of her brother. And surprisingly, the brother too takes it on himself to be responsible for his sister and her doings
A sibling may be the keeper of one’s identity, the only person with the keys to one’s unfettered, more fundamental self. Traditionally, Raksha Bandhan is a festival to celebrate the brother-sister relationship. But according to history, the significance of rakhi is not limited to only brothers and sisters. It served as a bond of protection and could be tied by wife, mother or daughter. Rishis also used to tie rakhi to people who came for their blessings. Some people also used to tie rakhi to their neighbours and friends to have a peaceful relationship. Rabindranath Tagore was the first person who popularised the Rakhi Utsav and promoted feeling of commitment and unity. So, Raksha Bandhan is a day to reaffirm faith in all forms of protection and is a destroyer of all sins. On this day, brothers and sisters try to visit each other personally and show their love towards each other. The day highlights the importance of siblings. The whole essence of celebrating the festival is to inculcate the importance of love and affection between brothers and sisters.
I am proud to be an Indian where the concept of joint family system is prevalent till date. The love showered on children by brothers/sisters/parents/grandparents is amazing and I have always felt very secure amidst my family. I strongly believe that they will stand by me through thick and thin and I know my brother will remain my guardian angel throughout my life. God bless all brothers!! Happy Raksha Bandhan to one and all. May this thread of love grow stronger each day.
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