FIJI, August 12, 2005: Hasmukh Desai & family of Fiji sent the following explanation of the upcoming Raksha Bandhan festival:
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full-moon day in the month of Sravana (July-August – This year on 19th Aug). The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolizes love, affection and the feeling of brotherhood. On this day, sisters tie an amulet, the Rakhi, around the right wrist of their brothers praying for their long life and happiness. Raksha means protection, and in some places in medieval India where women felt unsafe, they tied Rakhi round the wrists of men they could count upon, regarding them as brothers. The tradition of tying a thread or “Rakhi” around the wrist to convey different feelings has been coming down through the ages since the Vedic times.
The practice of Raksha Bandhan was conspicuous with the Rajputs and history is replete with instances related to the significance of this tradition. At the time of war when the brave Rajput soldiers prepared to go to the battlefield, the women folk followed the ritual of tying a thread around their wrist after applying a dash of vermilion powder (kumkuma) on their forehead. This was considered a sign of good omen and the ladies believed that it would protect their men from the enemy’s blow and bring them victory.
Over time however, the significance of rakhi moved on from battlefields to personal relations reflecting the bond of affection. Sisters tie Rakhis to their brothers asking for protection. While the sisters also prayed for their brothers’ welfare, the latter vowed to take care of them even if it called for some sacrifice on their part. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, there is a lot of excitement among the girls. After an early bath, the sister invites her brother to wear the Rakhi and reaffirm the bond of love. She applies tilak or vermilion powder on his forehead and ties the Rakhi on the right hand. She then performs aarti and offers her brother some sweets. After she completes the traditional formalities, the brother gives her a gift as a token of his love and affection. It could be in the form of jewelry, new clothes, money or blessings too!
Happiness and excitement mark the celebration of Raksha Bandhan especially for young girls and women. Preparations for the festival begin well in advance. The markets wear a festive look with the colorful, ornate and dazzling Rakhis hanging loose or put on display for sale in shops that specially come up for this occasion. Sweet marts also sell a variety of sweets for the festival. The Rakhi thread, which was simple and unostentatious, gradually began to be embellished with beads, semi-precious stones, colored or golden/silver threads, satin ribbons, floral motifs etc. Some of the Rakhis are very ostentatious and others have a simple, yet aesthetic look. Rakhis are available in different sizes, colors and shapes from the typical round ones to heart shaped, symbolizing the bond of love. Every year some novel ideas are introduced in the design of Rakhis. They come with small painted faces or made of spices like cardamoms and cloves or grains of rice, corn etc, perhaps to add more spice, color, and variety to the traditional Rakhi. Sometimes Rakhis have tiny dolls made of fabric, straw or paper stuck on them. The myriad range of Rakhis is breathtaking and often the buyers who flock to these shops are left dazed at the display. The girls want to make the best choice and pick the most ornate pieces. After all it will adorn their brothers’ wrists!