Raksha Bandhan: the festooned fraternity

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"Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala"

(I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter.)

It is all about affection, fraternity and sublime sentiments. As girls get ready with glittering 'Rakhis', chanting the above mantra, it is again the festival of Raksha Bandhan which will fall on 28th August. 'Raksha Bandhan' or 'Rakhi' is a special occasion to celebrate the bond by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love, is rightly called the 'Rakhi'. It means 'a bond of protection', and Raksha Bandhan signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that's evil. Raksha Bandhan is known by various names: Vish Tarak - the destroyer of venom, Punya Pradayak - the bestower of boons, and Pap Nashak - the destroyer of sins.

The relationships are the essence of celebration. This holds true for any Indian festival. Each festival brings the families together. That mere togetherness is celebration. It calls for a total festive environment. Raksha bandhan is the celebration of brothers and sisters. It is one festival that primarily belongs to the North and Western regions of India but celebrated throughout the country with the same verve. Regional celebrations may be different but Raksha bandhan has become an integral part of those customs

The festival falls on the Shravan Purnima (full moon day of shravan month) which comes generally in the month of August. The sisters tie the silk thread called rakhi on

their brother's wrist and pray for their well being and brothers promise to take care of their sisters. The festival is unique to India creates a feeling of belongingness and oneness amongst the family.

As per the traditions, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brother(s) and wishes for their well being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sisters' side through the thick and thin and gives her a token gift.

Meaning
Raksha Bandhan is all about 'bond of love and protection'. 'Raksha' means protection, 'bandhan' means obliged or bind. Thus the Rakhi Festival flourishes the love, care, affection and the sacred feeling of brotherhood.

Raksha Bandhan: Various Forms

Rakshabandhan festival is celebrated in all parts of India, in various forms and names.

Rakhi Purnima: Rakhi Purnima is celebrated mainly in the north and north-west India with a lot of joy and excitement.

Avani Avittam or Upakarman: This form of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in southern part of India like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh and its and important day for the Brahmin community there. This day is known as Upakarmam. On this day, the Hindus wear a new holy thread. Changing of the thread symbolises of the people getting rid of all sins and making a new beginning.

Nariyal Purnima: In the Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Karnatka, Raksha Bandhan is called Nariyal Purnima. Offerings of coconuts (nariyals) is made to the Sea God. This form of Rakhi signifies the starting of a new season and very important for those who are dependent on the sea for their living.