Raksha Bandhan is a festival that commemorates the relationship of brother and sister. This festival is celebrated usually in the month of August on the Shravana Purnima. The atmosphere of jubilation starts mounting up much before the occasion.
Let's start with the meaning of Raksha Bandhan. 'Raksha' is a Hindi word that means protection and 'Bandhan” means the bond. Thus, Raksha Bandhan stands for the bond of protection between brother and sister. On the auspicious eve of Shravana Purnima, the girls tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers. In turn, the brother takes the vow of protecting his sister from all the dangers that come her way.
Many women observe fast till the completion of the rituals. After the thread tying ceremony, the girls perform Arti of their brothers so as to invoke divine blessings to bestow on their brothers. Traditionally, the following mantra is chanted while performing Arti:
“Yena baddho Bali Raja
Daanavendro mahabalah
Tena twam anubadhanaami
Rakshe maa chala maa chala”
The literal meaning of these words is, “O Rakhi, just as Goddess Laxmi tied Rakhi to King Bali, I am you on my brother's wrist. Aye Rakhi, I pray thee that you protect my brother from all evils”. In Punjabi the prayer goes like,
“Suraj shakhan chhodian
Mooli chhodia beej
Behen ne rakhi bandhi
Bhai tu chir jug jee"
With these holy words, the girl prays for her brother's long life and sound health. The whole ceremony is observed within a set Muhurat.
Raksha Bandhan is a day when the whole clan gathers and either spend time in cherishing some fond moments or creating them. Family feast is organized, which gives a nice opportunity to the family members to strengthen the bond of love between them. Therein lies the beauty of not only the festival of Raksha Bandhan but all Indian Festivals.
