The relationship between a sibling and a sister is unique and beyond description. The relationship between siblings is exceptional and is valued everywhere in the world. In India, however, the relationship becomes even more significant because there is a festival called "Raksha Bandhan" that celebrates sibling affection.
This is a special Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal to symbolize the affection between brothers and sisters. Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar during the month of Shravana, which corresponds to the Gregorian month of August.
Signification of Raksha Bandhan
The festival consists of the two syllables "Raksha" and "Bandhan." According to Sanskrit terminology, the event means "the tie or knot of protection," where "Raksha" represents protection and "Bandhan" represents the verb to tie. Together, the festival represents the eternal affection of brother-sister relationships, which extends beyond blood ties. It is also commemorated by cousins, sisters, and sisters-in-law (Bhabhi), paternal aunts (Bua) nephews (Bhatija), and other relatives of a similar nature.
The significance of Raksha Bandhan to diverse religions in India
Hinduism - The festival is primarily observed by Hindus in the northern and western regions of India, as well as in Nepal, Pakistan, and Mauritius.
Jainism - Jain priests distribute ceremonial threads to the devotees on this occasion.
Sikhism - This festival celebrating brother-sister affection is known as "Rakhardi" or "Rakhari" among Sikhs.
Origin of the Raksha Bandhan Celebration
Raksha Bandhan is believed to have originated centuries ago, and there are numerous legends surrounding the commemoration of this special holiday. Several of the varied Hindu mythological accounts are described below.
Indra Dev and Sachi - According to the ancient legend of Bhavishya Purana, gods and demons once engaged in a ferocious battle. Lord Indra, the principal deity of sky, rains, and thunderbolts, who fought on the side of the gods, encountered formidable opposition from the potent demon king, Bali. The war lasted a long time and never came to a decisive conclusion. Upon observing this, Sachi, Indra's wife, approached Lord Vishnu, who presented her with a sacred bracelet made of cotton thread. Sachi wrapped the sacred thread around her spouse, Lord Indra, who ultimately vanquished the demons and reclaimed Amaravati. In an earlier account of the festival, these sacred threads were described as amulets used by women for prayer and tied to their husbands when they left for war. In contrast to modern periods, these holy threads were not restricted to sibling relationships.
King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi - According to Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, when Lord Vishnu conquered the three worlds from the demon King Bali, the demon king asked Lord Vishnu to remain in the palace with him. The Lord granted the request and began to cohabitate with the demon ruler. However, Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, desired to return to Vaikuntha, his native land. So, she tied the rakhi around the demon monarch Bali's wrist, thereby making him a brother. Goddess Lakshmi asked Bali to release her spouse from the vow and allow him to return to Vaikuntha when she inquired about the return gift. Lord Vishnu and his wife, the goddess Lakshmi, returned to their residence upon Bali's approval.
Santoshi Maa - According to legend, Lord Ganesha's two sons, Shubh and Labh, were disappointed that they had no sister. They requested a sister from their father, who eventually granted their request thanks to the intercession of Saint Narada. Lord Ganesha created Santoshi Maa in this manner using divine flames, and his two sons received their sister on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Krishna and Draupadi - According to the Mahabharata, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, fastened a rakhi to Krishna, while Kunti tied a rakhi to Abhimanyu prior to the epic battle.
Yama and the Yamuna - According to another legend, Yama, the god of death, did not visit his sister Yamuna for a period of 12 years, during which time she became very depressed. Yama was advised by Ganga to visit his sister Yamuna, who was overjoyed to see him and offered him her hospitality. This pleased the Yama, who had requested a gift from Yamuna. She expressed a desire to see her brother on multiple occasions. Hearing this, Yama immortalized his sister Yamuna so he could see her again and again. This mythological account serves as the foundation for the "Bhai Dooj" festival, which is also centered on the brother-sister relationship.
The reason for celebrating this holiday
Raksha Bandhan is observed as a symbol of responsibility between brothers and sisters. The event is intended to honor any form of brother-sister relationship between men and women who are not necessarily related by blood.
On this day, a sister ties a rakhi around her brother's wrist and prays for his health, wealth, and happiness. In exchange, the sibling offers his sister gifts and pledges to protect her from all harm and under all circumstances. Additionally, brother-sisters from distant family members, relatives, or cousins observe the holiday.