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RAKSHA BANDHAN

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Rakhi symbolises a Spiritual Bonding...

Human Bondage....The full moon day is dedicated to the seers, the rishis. It is called the Raksha Bandhan. Bandhan means Bondage; Raksha means protection - This means a bondage that protects 'You' - your bondage to the knowledge, to the master, to the truth, to the self. Raksha Bandhan rituals has a wisdom behind it is that it is a lifelong process of practising and promoting human, moral, cultural, social and spiritual values and empowering it will help to restore positivity and virtues in life and society which the rakhi festival portrays.

Rakhi rituals in reality, reveal rich inner meanings and healthy implications which are worth of inculcation by humans. Every Shravan Purnima as described in scriptures is Punya Pradayak (means merit giving) and Vish todak (means vice demolishing). Many mythological tales  revolve around in observance of Rakhi festival. It is believed that Dev Raj Indra (the Deity king) had a humiliating defeat from Daitya Raj (Devil king) Brutra in a fierce battle that spanned twelve years. Lord Indra who preferred death to dishonour, decided to enter into final fight with the devil king unto death. Indra took this vow on the 14th Bright moon day of Shravan and next day of Shravan Purnima, Dev Guru Brihaspati tied a Rakhi to Indra wishing victory over evil and well being. Queen Indrani also tied a rakhi to Indra's right wrist by uttering divine words of welfare. Lord Indra empowered by Rakhis of Dev Guru and Indrani could regain his lost paradise by defeating and destroying the Devil king.

Another Mythological story serves as basis for the beginning of the historical and cultural process and practice of sisters tying Rakhis to their brothers depicts the Rakhi festival beween Yama (Lord of Death) and his sister Yamuna. The Yama was highly pleased by the purity and serenity of the Rakhi ceremony that he declared that whosoever gets a Rakhi tied from a sister, well ever remain free from the fear of Yamdoots. (Yama's emissaries) It is also believed that when a sister ties a rakhi to her elder brother, she spiritually seems to inspire him to see others' sisters as his own and not to look upon them in any other malafied intention. Historically also, the observance of rakhi between brother and sister was observed when during several foreign invasions starting from Greeks to muslims. Hindu ladies used to send rakhis to the invaders in anticipation of latters' offer of protection. Greek Hero Alexander during his attack on Puru's kingdom, had received a rakhi and request from Puru's wife to save her Husband's life in the battle field. Moreover, Mughal emperors like Humayun, Akbar and others were known to have extended their hands of help and brotherhood to Hindu queens and women in need of the hour and respect the Rakhi tying ceremony.

During the Rakhi tying festival, a Rakhi is tied on the wrist by first applying 'Tilak' which is vermillion, on the brother's forehead by a sister which remind him of the true identity and image of his inner self as a point of light from between the eyebrows and the piece of colored thread round the wrist signifies one's pledge for purity in life and promise for feeling of warmth and helping hand in society. Sweets are shared on this Rakhi day to induce soft and sweet in speech, manners and interactions. Practice of presenting gift in cash or kind to the sister, entrusts the task of self transformation by surrending and sublimating inner vices like lust, greed, anger, ego, attachment, idleness, etc. and also the gift giving is in happiness to perform the duties and take care of the feelings of the sister who is a well wisher.

It is presumed that this Rakhi festival also shares a feeling of Bondage (Bandhan) with god and he in turn, does the Raksha (Take care) with his selfless love and protects every way as human being pledge for purity, virtuosity, spiritual strength and righteousness in thoughts, words and actions. Thus, spread love and peace in society and preserve the Indian culture living in harmony with clear, open mind and non violently remain a powerful community to retain peace, power and purity.

For there is no friend like a sister, In calm or stormy weather - Christina Rossetti

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