ID :
378084
Mon, 08/24/2015 - 11:33
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Raksha Bandhan, Celebrating The Family Bonds

By M.Santhiran M.Santhiran, Bernama's correspondent in New Delhi shares his take on the Indian capital city and its unique social nuances. NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Come Saturday, Aug 29, Indians, especially the Hindus, Jains and the Sikhs in the north, will be celebrating the "Raksha Bandhan", a ritual of renewing the familial bonds and duty between brothers and sisters. The ritual that now transcends the confines of the family is also celebrated on moderate scale in Nepal and some parts of Pakistan. In Malaysia, the Sikh community is said to observe the day with special prayers. "Raksha Bandhan" is a Sanskrit word and it means "tie the knot of protection". It is an age old symbolic ritual reminding that the brothers must protect their sisters even after they have been married off and in return the sisters pray for the well being of their brothers. This particular day is normally celebrated during the full moon in the month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar. For this year, Raksha Bandhan is expected to be celebrated in much more grander scale here in the capital city and other parts of India since it falls on a weekend. LEGENDS AND STORIES BEHIND RAKSHA BANDHAN When I asked locals and friends on the significance of this celebration, I received several versions of the story behind this ritual. All concurred that the ritual differed from one community to another but the concept stresses on the brotherly-sisterly bonds and responsibilities. For me, the two legends behind this festival are what attracted me most and I will share with the readers. The first legend credited the ritual to Hindu scriptures Bhagavata Purana where Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from the demon King Bali and established a base in Bali's kingdom and a new friendship with him. However, Vishnu's wife, goddess Lakshmi, did not like his new place and friendship with Bali. So she went to Bali, tied a Rakhi string and made him a brother. Bali in return asked her what gift she desired and Lakshmi said she wanted Vishnu to return to Vaikunta. Bali consented, as well accepted her as his sister. The second legend appeared more interesting, when Alexander the Great invaded India in 326 BCE, Roxana (or Roshanak, his wife) sent a sacred thread to Porus, asking him not to harm her husband in battle. In accordance with tradition, Porus, the king of Kaikeya Kingdom, gave full respect to the Rakhi. On the battlefield, when Porus was about to deliver a final blow to Alexander, he saw the Rakhi on his own wrist and restrained himself from killing Alexander. ITS MORE THAN TIE RAKHI However, today the tradition has evolved into a celebration where exchange of gifts and sweets too take place. According to a local businessman, Yashvin Kumar the day will start with a special prayer where normally the sister/sisters pray for the good health, happiness and prosperity of their brother/brothers. This is followed with the "Rakhi" ritual, where a cotton string is tied by the sister to the right wrist of the brother and the sister applies the "tilak" on the brother's forehead as a promise that he will take care of her. In return, the brother will bless the sister and will give some gifts either in the form of new cloths or cash. More significantly, Yashvin said the brother would renew his commitment and pledge to care for his sister through thick and thin. Another uniqueness of this tradition is that over the years, the "Rakhi" ritual is no longer restricted to brothers and sisters. Cousins and close family members too do the same to strengthen family bonds. There is no age barrier in carrying out this ritual, as long as they understand the significant of Rakhi. I find this ritual something meaningful. Remember how you grew up with your brothers and sisters, and then drifted apart after having your own families. As for me, Raksha Bandhan provides the perfect opportunity for me to renew their familial bonds. So I have decided to make it a point to call my only sister on Raksha Bandhan day and share my greetings with her. -- BERNAMA

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