Rakhi is a festival of siblings of
opposite sex which symbolizes the love and the emotional bond between
them. The graceful relationship between brothers and sisters has so much
regard and magnitude for the Hindus that an entire day of the year is
devoted by Hindu Religion for the celebration of this pious
relationship. The Hindu Community celebrates this special day like a
festival and calls it 'Rakhi' or 'Raksha-Bandhan'. The literal meaning
of 'Raksha-Bandhan' is 'the bond of protection'. On
Rakhi day it is a custom that the brothers make a promise to their
sisters to protect and safeguard them against all the evil forces.
Though Rakhi festival has special importance for the brothers and
sisters yet entire family, and kiths and kin thereof, celebrate this
festival with great zeal and enthusiasm. Thus the festival of Rakhi
represents not only the siblings' emotional bond but also an occasion of
family get together, reviving the relationships and social harmony.
With time the ways of celebrating Rakhi festival has also changed.
Since the ancient time that is the Vedic period in the Indian history
the Rakhi has been a symbol of seeking help or protection from the
powerful ones by the weaker ones. The festival was never confined to the
siblings' relationship only as it is generally believed to be. In due
course of time the moods of this festival's celebrations have changed a
lot but the basic idea of 'a bond of protection' has remained unchanged.
Even in the modern times the Rakhi festival is beyond the factors such
as caste systems, race systems, religious issues, haves and have-nots
differences and even national boundaries. For instance the people from
allover the country either personally tie the Rakhi or send it through
postal services, to the soldiers, Prime-Minister and the President. It
is the spirit of Indians that this festival is celebrated throughout
India in a joyous ambient.
