Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a widely celebrated yearly Hindu festival, in India, in the month of “Shravan”- a month believed to be one of the holiest months in the year, according to the Hindu calendar. This festival is observed on the last day of the Hindu Lunar calendar which usually falls in August.
Since ‘Purnima” refers to a” full moon” in Sanskrit, Raksha Bandhan is also known as “Rakhi Purnima” as it is celebrated on a full moon day. Though celebrated commonly in North India, Raksha Bandhan is a ritual familiar to the whole of India, Nepal and the Indian subcontinent.
The term “Raksha” literally means protection and “Bandhan” means a bond, therefore – A bond of protection. On this day, sisters tie an amulet or a thread which they call Rakhi around their brothers’ wrist to form a knot, which is symbolic of a bond. The brothers in return pledge to protect and honour their sisters. The sisters along with this commitment also receive gifts from their brothers.
The expression “Raksha Bandhan” until the mid twentieth century was used for another such festival, also observed on the same day, in which a priest would tie an amulet, thread or charm on the devotee’s wrist and received money in return. The existence of this custom is also evident in the ancient Hindu texts of the “Bhavishya Purana”, in the chapter of “Uttara Parva”, where Lord Krishna narrates to Yudhisthira of having a ritual, in which he has a raksha (a thread of protection) tied to his right wrist, by a priest or the “rajpurohit” on the day of “purnima”- a full moon day, in the month of Shravan. This custom is still prevalent in some parts of India.
Origin of Raksha Bandhan
The origin of Raksha Bandhan is attributed to the numerous Hindu mythologies. The various stories related to this festival are as described below:
Lord Krishna and Draupadi
According to the the ancient legend of Mahabharata, during the battle between Lord Krishna and Shishupala, Lord Krishna hurt his finger while releasing the “Sudershan chakra”, the celestial wheel, to behead Shishupala. Draupadi, the wife of the “Pandavas” tore a piece of her saree and tied it around Lord Krishna’s finger to stop the bleeding.
Lord Krishna was immensely touched by this gesture and vowed to protect Draupadi against all odds. One such incident when Lord Krishna protects the honour of Draupadi is when “Dushashana” one of the “Kauravas” attempts to disrobe her publically in the centre of a court room, after the “Pandavas” lose a game of dice against “Kauravas”. Lord Krishna with his powers continuously increases the length of her saree hence making it impossible to disrobe her.
King Bali and Goddess Laxmi
Based on an anecdote in the “Bhagavata Purana” and “Vishnu Purana”, when Lord Vishnu wins the three Worlds, “Aakash Lok” (Heaven), “Prithvi Lok” (Earth) and “Paatal Lok (Underworld), from the Demon King Bali, Bali requests Lord Vishnu to stay with him in his palace. Since Bali was Lord Vishnu’s ardent devotee, Lord Vishnu agrees to this and starts living in Bali’s palace with Goddess Laxmi.
Goddess Laxmi however was not willing to stay there nor was she fond of the friendship that was developing between Lord Vishnu and Bali. She therefore disguises as a Brahmin woman and goes to Bali and seeks protection in his palace till her husband returns. Bali being a generous King, accepts her request. On the occasion of Shravana Purnima also Rakhi purnima, other name for Raksha Badhan, Goddess Laxmi seeking the right opportunity ties an amulet or “Rakhi” around Balis’s wrist. Bali overjoyed by this, offers to give any gift she asks for, in return.
Goddess Laxmi then reveals her true identity and asks Bali to let Lord Vishnu return to Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s abode. Bali grants her wish on the condition that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi visit him every year and have a meal with him. Hence, it is believed that inspired by this, the sisters visit their brothers on Raksha Bandhan (Shravana Purnima) and have a meal with them.
Santoshi Maa
When Lord Ganesha’s sons, Shubha (also known as Tsema) and Labha see Lord Ganesha’s sister tying a Rakhi on his wrist, they demanded a sister for Raksha Bandhan, as they did not have one. Lord Ganesha after much coaxing by his sons, wives and Sage Narada then created a little girl from the divine flames, believed to have emerged from his two wives Riddhi and Siddhi, who then tied Rakhi around Subha and Labha’s wrist. The little girl received jaggery and chickpeas in return and seemed to be satisfied with these gifts and did not demand for anything else. Hence she was named Santoshi, since “Santosh” means satisfaction. She later came to be known as Santoshi Maa.
Yama and Yamuna
There are a number of versions of this legend. On account of the “Shiv Puranas”, when Yama becomes the God of Death and is sent to the Underworld, his sister Yamuna weeps in grief of their separation. She mourns in despair until the Gods decide to create “night” and turn her into Yamini or the Goddess of Night. It is said, since the beginning of creation, there was only daytime, hence, Yamuna could not understand the lapse of time since Yama’s separation from her. It was only after the God’s created the night, separating two days, that Yamuna could differentiate and understand that time was passing, hence slowly recovering from the sorrow.
It is said that her tears for her brother became the River Yamuna. It is believed that Yama did not visit Yamuna for twelve years till Yamuna sought solace in Ganga, the Goddess of the River Ganga, who in turn reminded Yama to visit his sister.
When Yama visits Yamuna, Yamuna exhilarated, welcomes him with a feast. Yama overjoyed, decided to reciprocate this gesture with a gift of her choice. To this Yamuna expressed her desires to meet him again. Yama, moved by this, agreed and also made Yamuna (Yamuna River) immortal. This legend forms a basis for other festivals in India which also celebrates the affection between a brother and sister, such as “Bhai-Duj” typically in the months of October or November around the time of Diwali.
According to another version of this legend, it is said that, every “Shravan Purnima”, Yamuna tied a sacred thread around Yama’s wrist. Yama touched by the serenity of this custom announced that whoever promises to protect his sister and gets a Rakhi tied by her would become immortal. Henceforth, from then onwards, this tradition has been said to be observed till today.
Indra dev and Sachi
As per an account of the “Bhavisya Purana”, there was a vicious battle between the Gods and the Demons. King of Gods, Lord Indra- God of rain and thunder, who was fighting against the Demons, was facing tough resistance from the Demon King, Bali. The war had prolonged and had not reached a conclusion. Seeing this, it is said that Sachi or Indrani, wife of Lord Indra approached Lord Vishnu who gave her a holy bracelet. She tied this around Lord Indra’s wrist. Indra finally defeats the Demons and wins back the “Amaravati”- A sacred city in the Heavenly Kingdom of “Indraloka”. These holy threads were amulets used by women in prayers and tied to the husbands’ preparing for war in hopes of keeping them safe, thus, not limiting these threads only between siblings.
Historical Evidence of Raksha Bandhan
Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun
The story of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun plays a significant role in the evidence of Raksha Bandhan in history. Karnavati was a widowed queen of Rana Sangha, King of Chittorgarh, capital of Mewar Kingdom. Rani/Queen Karnavati was believed to be as fierce a leader as her husband. Bahadur Shah the King of Gujarat attacked Mewar. Karnavati defended her kingdom with a small army until they were outnumbered.
During this time, Karnavati sent a Rakhi to Humayun, the Mughal emperor, pleading for protection of her dignity. The Mughal Emperor, who was on Bengal’s invasion at that time, left the campaign midway and immediately rushed to Rani Karnavati’s assistance.
On reaching, he learnt that it had been late. Karnavati along with the other noble ladies had commited “Jauhar”, an act of mass self immolation in order to avoid capture, abuse and rape by foreign invaders, in the face of unavoidable defeat. Later, Humayun avenged Karnavati’s death by capturing Mandu from Bahadur Shah.
King Porus and Roxana
Roxana, the queen of Alexander the Great, the Greek conqueror, is said to have sent a sacred thread to King Porus or Purushotama, a famous Indian King, when Alexander invaded India. Along with the thread she requested King Porus not to harm Alexander in the battlefield. Honouring this request, King Porus refused to fight and kill Alexander, though it is believed Porus gave Alexander the toughest battle of his life. Porus eventually lost the Battle of River Hydaspes (now River Jhelum) but won him Alexander’s respect. He thus became a loyal satrap- a viceroy to King Alexander and served his kingdom even after Alexander’s death.
Rabridanath Tagore and Bengal Partition
In an effort to mitigate the Divide and Rule policy of the British Government of India, Rabindranath Tagore came up with an idea to oppose this decision to partition Bengal. He organized a rally where he tied Rakhis to the passerby after that he proceeded to enter the mosques and tied Rakhis to the “maulvis , the muslim priests without any resistance, whatsoever. This act of tying Rakhis to the passerby and the “maulvis” was symbolic of the poet’s resistance against the British Empire in a subtle and non violent way. Post Tagore’s move, Hindus and Muslims alike, thronged different parts of Kolkata, Dhaka and Sylhet and tied Rakhis to one another therefore symbolising a bond of protection and eternal unity between them.
Roots of Raksha Bandhan in Exogamy
In the past, people specially north Indians, strongly practised territorial or village exogamy. In other words, their women were not married in their immediate village of birth, but were, married to a person residing in a different village. This practice had its benefits. Firstly, this would avoid incest among the Hindus, which is widely taboo and prohibited. On the other hand, this practice of exogamy prevented in breeding, made a family stronger, further adding to man power and kinship with another village.
However, as an age old custom, the parents of the bride could not visit their daughter once she was married and was sent to her in-laws. Here, the newly married wife could also affirm her relationship, with the village resident brothers, by tying Rakhi around their wrists. This relationship would protect and defend the newly married women in trying times and also provide comfort to the bride starting a different life in a completely new village.
In her natal home, the parents, since they could not see or visit their married daughters, had the tradition of Raksha Bandhan to make sure that they see their loved ones, at least once a year. In this tradition, the sibling of the married woman could visit them, sometimes, even escorting her to her parents’ home for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Usually, the newly married wives would visit their maternal home a few days or weeks before Raksha Bandhan and stay there till Rakhi was over. Hence, Raksha Bandhan not just strengthened the bond between siblings, but, also served as a respite for parents longing to see their daughters after marrying her off to another home, in a different village. On closer inspection, we see among many Indian communities, there isn’t a well defined mother’s day or father’s day, but, there is a special day dedicated to the bond of a brother and sister, “Raksha Bandhan”. It has not just transcended the many cultures and centuries but also evolved along with the changing times.
Raksha Bandhan as practised in different regions and communities
India is a country comprising of different communities with their unique culture and traditions. Analogous to this diversity, Raksha Bandhan day, is celebrated in their own unique and special way by these communities.
Maharashtra:
We have the Koli community in this coastal state. This ethnic group, primarily, is a fisherman community and they celebrate Raksha Bandhan, along with their “Narali Purnima” or the Coconut Day festival. During this day, the girls tie Rakhi around the wrist of their brothers. Simultaneously, on the same day, the Kolis offer prayers to Lord Varuna or the Hindu God of Sea. Coconuts are also tossed in the sea, to invoke the blessings of Lord Varuna, on this day and it is widely believed, that on appeasing the God of Sea, they would be rewarded with prosperity and wealth.
Haryana:
Among the people of Haryana, this day of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated along with their festival of Salono. Salona is a festival where the local priests tie amulets o the wrists of the devotees and disciples. It is the festival to ward off evil and seek protection. This protection of the people is symbolized by the priests tying amulets, to the people and similarly along side, this celebration, sisters tie Rakhi to their brothers. They also place shoots of barley behind their brother’s ears.
West Bengal and Odisha:
Raksha Bandhan is also known as “Jhulan Purnima”, in the state of West Bengal and Odisha. On this day, people offer their prayers to Lord Krishna and Radha. They make elaborate arrangements for this day and pay their respects to Lord Krishna and Radha. Sisters tie Rakhi to heir brothers and seek their protection, similiarly, everyone partakes in the festival, praying to Lord Krishna and Radha, asking for their protection and a better life ahead.
North India:
In the north Indian regions of Jammu, this day of Raksha Bandhan and the immediate days preceding this festival, numerous kites are flown, making the skyline look beautiful. People usually buy colourful kites and strings to mark this occasion. It is a spectacular site to see the skyline, adorned with colourful kites on the day of Raksha Bandhan, making this day special and unique in their own creative way.
Raksha Bandhan as celebrated in Nepal
In Nepal, among the Brahmins, Raksha Bandhan is also referred to as “Janai Purnima” or “Rishitarpani”. The Brahmins tie a sacred thread around their chests which is also called “Janai” in colloquial terms. During Raksha Bandhan, the Brahmins replace their “Janai” or sacred threads.
This day is also celebrated among the other casts and Buddhists in the country of Nepal. The girls/ women tie Rakhi around the wrists of their brothers, fathers or husbands, as a token of love, respect and protection. In return, the women are given gifts including chocolates, ornaments or money. It is considered an auspicious day among the Nepalese and the Buddhists. The entire day is dedicated to the different cultures and traditions, focussing around the tying of Rakhi and its significance.
Raksha Bandhan among the Jains and Sikhs
Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated among the Jains. On this day the Jain priests perform their rituals and then distribute the ceremonial threads among the devotees. This is seen as a sign of good luck and protection from evil by the devotees. The Sikhs also follow this tradition and the women tie this sacred thread or Rakhi to their brothers as a token of appreciation. The brothers promise protection and affection to their sisters, on this day of Raksha Bandhan which is commonly known as “Rakhandri” or “Rakhari” among the Sikhs.
Raksha Bandhan in modern times
As society disintegrated, Raksha Bandhan too evolved along the same lines. The Indian Society was no longer concentrated in small villages or towns, as we moved forward. With the advent of the modern age, especially the Industrial revolution a large number of the rural population migrated to the big cities in search of jobs and a better life. This further leads to the disintegration of the age old joint Hindu families, giving way, to the more adaptable and pragmatic nuclear families.
A nuclear family comprising of the parents and the children, was more practical and sustainable in the new world. In this scenario, Raksha Bandhan was, like many other occasions deemed to be more of a symbolic day. However, on the contrary, this day evolved not jus as a symbolic occasion, but as a day meaningful with its own traditions and rituals.
During this day, in the modern world, a sister ties Rakhi, an amulet or a piece of good luck charm around their brother’s wrist. This amulet or Rakhi comes in different shapes, sizes, colours and designs. This Rakhi is symbolic of the relationship between a brother and a sister and denotes companionship and respect.
The brother, after having had his wrist covered with a Rakhi is obliged to care and protect his sister till his last breath. In return for this Rakhi, the brother provides respect, companionship, love and protection for his sister. It is important to note here that among many cultures and communities during Raksha Bandhan day, some women tie Rakhi to their fathers and also to their husbands. This is in no way aimed at diluting the spirit of Rakhi, but, it further solidifies the idea, that a Rakhi is the symbol of love and respect. A woman, therefore, ties Rakhi to whoever she deems worthy of being her protector and close to her.
In 2018, a prominent BJP leader Bukkal Nawab further proposed the idea of tying Rakhis, to cows on the day of Raksha Bandhan. In a festival held in Kubiaghat, in Lucknow, people performed “Gau puja” or the worshipping of cows, and then tied Rakhi to cows. This move was also executed as an act of strengthening the bond between man and cow, which is considered a sacred animal in India. Furthermore, it was also aimed at humanitarian approach towards raising awareness against cow-slaughter, on this auspicious day.
Raksha Bandhan outside blood relationships
A Rakhi or the ceremonial thread, has grown out of the limitations of blood relationships in our times. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, women no longer are confined to their homes. As, the standard of living and expenses have gone up, it is no longer viable for the husband to be the sole bread winner of the family. Hence, the modern woman shares equal burden of the house hold expenses with her husband.
In this, the woman has multiple relationships outside her immediate family and her in-laws. She has co-workers and friends in her work place and social life. The woman, sometimes, deems it suitable to tie Rakhi to these men who aren’t immediately related to her. This voluntary establishment of relationship has an equal significance, on Raksha Bandhan day, as is any other brother and sister relationship.
It is symbolic of the fact that from here on, this person is important in the woman’s life as a brother and a protector.
Furthermore, as the social lives are ever widening, the social acquaintances are gaining mileage and importance. Right from school, we come to know and get closer to individuals on many different levels. Rakhi, hence, is also tied by girls of different age groups to people she might have met in schools, colleges or through her social circle. This voluntary relationship of tying Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan, solidifies the relationship between two individuals who may otherwise, have had a casual relationship outside of this ritual.
This voluntary tying of Rakhi has gained social acceptance as much as it is considered sacred between a blood related, brother and sister. This trend not just outweighs the immediate family or communal tradition, but, it is practised among members of different communities and religion. For instance, a woman may tie Rakhi to someone outside her cast, creed or religion and the significance of this day, is no more diluted. Nowadays, it is common practice for a Hindu woman to tie Rakhi, to a man, belonging to the Muslim community if she considers him a brother and is still socially acceptable. Therefore, we can also say that Raksha Bandhan has not just transcended time but also, caste, creed and religion.
Portrayal of Rakhi in the Indian media and its Commercialization
Bollywood since its inception has been an intrinsic path of the Indian Culture. The movies have usually dramatized the social and political lives of the community and it has been consumed by the general masses with great enthusiasm. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi has found its niche in this media too. Numerous movies have been made mentioning the tradition of Rakhi. Be it the old films or the new ones, we have all been fed with songs and sequences, potraying the tradition of Raksha Bandhan. This has furthered this tradition of Rakhi and also helped in commercializing this age old tradition.
Nowadays, we see multinational companies manufacturing customised greeting cards, chocolates and gifts specially for Raksha Bandhan. The gifts are in adherence to this tradition. It is a lucrative business at the least. The Rakhis too, have undergone numerous makeovers, to keep up with the changing times. For instance, threre are Rakhis for kids, ranging from popular cartoon characters, like Tom and Jerry and Chota Bheem to high end kids’ toys like Barbie. Not just this, the women have a plethora of options when it comes to choosing Rakhis for their loved ones.
From the humble Rakhi used traditionally, to the expensive “avatar” of this simple thread of charm, the Rakhi has come a long way. The ones wearing the Rakhi too have a vast amount of options, when it comes to giving gifts to their loved ones.
There are greeting cards for Rakhi which helps them express their gratitude in a glamorous way and multiple options of sweets and chocolates packaged especially for this occasion.
In conclusion we can say that Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan has evolved and surpassed its humble beginnings, but, has gained a universal appeal of sorts. Rightfully so too, it is the festival that celebrates the relationship between two human beings, it celebrates love, protection and care. It can be said, to be one of the keystones, which also emphasizes and accentuates our characteristics as a social animal. Hence Raksha Bandhan, with all its history, symbolism, evolution and significance is here to stay as a cosmopolitan symbol of love and respect between two individuals in the modern world.
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