Just like the West has a dedicated Friendship Day for friends and Valentine’s Day for lovers, India has a dedicated day to celebrate brother – sister relationship. We call this day Raksha Bandhan and celebrate it on the auspicious Shravan Purnima or the full moon day of the Hindu month of Sawana (July – August).
And, just as roses symbolize Valentine’s Day and friendship bands complete the picture of Friendship Day, decorated silken thread called Rakhi reflect the spirit of Raksha Bandhan. Carrying out the Raksha Bandhan ceremony in a traditional manner, sisters’ apply sacred red tilak on their brother’s forehead, perform arti of him and then tie Rakhi on brother’s wrist. While performing the ceremony a sister prays for her brother’s well being and long life. Brothers’ in their turn bless their sister and vow to protect her from all hardships in life. Entire family gathers and shares a festive meal afterwards.
This simple yet deep meaning tradition is said to have started in Vedic period. Every year since then, Hindu siblings wherever they may be carry out this ritual with joy and reverence. The custom is said to strengthen brother sister relationship and bind them in an eternal bond of love and trust.
In modern times, Raksha Bandhan or shall we say, “Siblings Day in India” is celebrated with much more enthusiasm and gaiety. Day before the festival sisters’ apply henna on their palm and buy the most elegant Rakhi for their dearest brothers. Sisters also buy gifts to indulge their brother. This could be sweets, chocolates, perfumes or even apparels. Brothers’ are traditionally required to pamper their sister with cash or gifts.
Today, the beauty of the festival has transcended the barriers of religion and caste. Sikhs, Christian and even Muslim siblings in India celebrate Raksha Bandhan with joy. And, with the rise of globalization and immigration of millions of Indians in foreign lands, the festival is also gaining attention of the siblings in the West and other parts of the world. Foreigners are being enamored with the inherent beauty of the festival and increasingly adapting it in their culture. Perhaps, few years from now Raksha Bandhan would not be restricted as an Indian festival, like Friendship Day and Valentine’s Day it would be celebrated globally as Siblings Special occasion!!