Raksha Bandhan: Celebrating the Sacred Bond of Protection and Love

By Amit Kumar

Raksha Bandhan, observed today, is a cherished Hindu festival celebrating the enduring bond
between brothers and sisters. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, this day symbolizes love, protection,
and familial duty. On this occasion, sisters tie a decorative thread called rakhi around the wrists of
their brothers, signifying their prayers for their brothers’ well-being. In return, brothers offer gifts
and a promise of lifelong protection.

Traditionally observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravana, Raksha
Bandhan is celebrated across India, Nepal, and other countries with Hindu communities, including
Pakistan and Mauritius. Though primarily a North Indian custom, the festival has now spread
throughout the country, thanks to migration, films, and technology. Even in regions like Maharashtra
and Odisha, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated along with local festivals like Narali Purnima and Gamha
Purnima.

Historically, the ritual had dual aspects, one involving domestic priests tying protective threads on
patrons, and the other, rooted in folk traditions, where sisters honored brothers in a symbolic
exchange of care and obligation. This folk celebration, known by various names like saluno, silono, or
rakri, emphasized emotional ties between siblings, especially important for married women
returning to their parental homes during Shravana.

With urbanization, the ritual has adapted, rakhis are now sent by post or delivered digitally. It is
common for siblings to live apart, and so this festival serves as a cherished opportunity to reconnect.
Today, Raksha Bandhan is not limited to blood relations, people form voluntary sibling bonds across
caste, class, and even religious lines, reinforcing unity and emotional kinship.

The festival has also been used by social and political organizations to foster a sense of national unity.
In schools, offices, and public events, Raksha Bandhan brings people together, highlighting shared
values of care, respect, and mutual support.
As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan today, it remains a reminder of the strength and beauty of
relationships, rooted in tradition, yet evolving with time.