Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan)

In India we have all types of festivals and have many reasons to celebrate. This post briefs about a very special festival (one of the closest to my heart), which further strengthens the brother-sister bond.

This festival is called Raksha bandhan, which literally means, a "protection bond". On the festival day in the morning hours the sister ties a thread on his brother's arm and prays to God for his long life. While the brother promises his sister that he will always protect him come whatever. This is of-course followed by sweets and very good food.

Sometimes many girls also tie it on a boy's arm for whom they feel the sisterly affection, although they may not blood-related siblings. A ritual all the boys hate :)))

Origination

There are many stories linked to how this festival originated. One of the is as follows:-

Rani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun
The story of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun is the most significant evidence in the history. During the medieval era, Rajputs were fighting Muslim invasions. Rakhi at that time meant a spiritual binding and protection of sisters was foremost. When Rani Karnawati the widowed queen of the king of Chittor realised that she could in no way defend the invasion of the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun. The Emperor touched by the gesture started off with his troops without wasting any time.

I picked it up from the below link. You will find many more there:

• http://www.raksha-bandhan.com/raksha-bandhan-in-history.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raksha_Bandhan