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Saturday 9 August 2014

Raksha Bandhan

Tomorrow is Raksha Bandhan, a festival ,which reflects a bonding between brothers and sisters. The pure and sacred  love of the siblings for each other, makes this festival sweet!  The festival occurs on the full moon of the month of Sravana.  Rakhi is a thread, which the sister ties on the wrist of her brother. The brother takes a vow to protect the sister from all evils. There are many legends  about the origion of this festival. The most popular story pertains to the Mughal period, when  the Rajput kings were  defeated in the war, their wives sent a Rakhi to the Mughal king, Humayun, to protect them against  molestation by the warriors.The sacred thread is considered to be very powerful, which binds the brother and sister  bond forever. 
In our family this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigour.  We assemble in the house  of one family.It is a sort of family reunion. Whenever there is a family  gathering, emphasis is on food.  These days the spirit of the festival has very much dwindled.The sanctity of the festival has  been replaced by merry making. Many people celebrate the festival in huge  and luxurious hotels.The simple and ordinary thread is replaced by ornamental Rakhis. Some people go a step further and buy gold or diamond Rakhis. The return gifts given by the boys to the sisters  have no limit. Such commercialism  is nothing but a cheap show of  wealth.When we were small we used to make Rakhis at home, using silk threads and colorful beads.  Those simple Rakhis,  conveyed  the real love and affection for the brothers.The brothers, on the other hand,  gave some money as a symbol of their love and affection.


Written in response to Write Tribe Pro blogger  week 2  day  8
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19 comments:

  1. Rakhi has become a very commercial affair these days...ask someone how his/her rakhi went and people will flaunt expensive rakhis and gifts rather than discussing the quality time spent with loved ones. Nice post!

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    1. Thank you Shaivi . You are very correct, Rakhi has become a commercial affair. These days every thing is viewed in terms of money. Affection and emotions are things of the past. Thank you for stopping by.

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  2. I am a christian but have celebrated this festival every year since childhood, however now I am missing my brother as we both live in separate cities.. :( :(

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    1. Thank you blackbeauty.You can send Rakhi to your brother by post.Welcome to my site.

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  3. How interesting for a Canadian like me to read about your Rakhi festival. India is so fascinating with its traditions and culture. What lovely bracelets. Thanks for sharing about it.

    http://cattitudeandgratitude.blogspot.ca/2014/08/living-with-less.html

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    1. Thank you Cathy. I am happy that you liked to read about the Rakhi festival.

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  4. Happy Raksha Bandha. The legend about the Rajputana family sending Rakhi to the King is something I learned today. I agree the sacred Raakhi has become more commercial and gimme the simple thread any day expressing love between brother and sister.

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    1. Thank you Vishal. Not only Rakhi, every thing has been commercialised these days.

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  5. Happy Raksha Bandhan, Mam! In Kerala, we don't celebrate it much to the traition. But maybe it's more of a commercial affair just like Valentine's day. Wish people concentrated on the tradition way of celebrating it. :) Thanks for sharing the post!

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  6. We don't celebrate raksha bandhan but my husband does...its a beautiful bond...and a sweet festival

    Random Thoughts Naba - The Weekend Roundup...

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  7. Great article :)

    I have compiled a list of Rakhi songs, you have a look to them.
    Click here to listen

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  8. Nice post..!!! thanks for sharing. Raksha Bandhan is old and lovely festival for brother and sister. The sisters send rakhi gift to other country for brother where his lives.

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  9. Really a nice rakhi you have. Thanks for sharing this informative blog.
    You can also gift Diamond Jewellery to your sisters at very nominal price

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  10. Running away from girls on Raksha Bandhan? Read this article by The Logical Indian Christian.

    http://www.thelogicalindianchristian.com/2016/08/a-brother-opens-his-heart-on.html

    #HappyRakshaBandhan #RakshaBandhan #TheLogicalIndianChristan #Brother #Sister #Rakhi

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  11. The blog article very surprised to me! Your writing is good. In this I learned a lot! Thank you!

    Raksha Bandhan Gifts Online

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