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  These days the spirit of the festival has very much dwindled.The sanctity of the festival has  been replaced by merry making.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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