Tuesday 28 August 2007

Rakhi, Brother Sister Day

Today is Rakhi or Rasksha Bandhan.its a day to celebrate the tie between brothers and sisters. Raksha means protection and Bandhan means bond.


This festival has its origins in Hinduism, but people of all religions embrace it. A story goes that the kingdom of Chittor was attacked by Bhadur Shah, when the king was away.Queen Karnavati sent a distress message to the Muslim emperor Humayun to come and protect them. With the message she sent a cotton thread taken from her sari.Humayun, who was leaving for a war campaign immediately went to the queen 's rescue.From there started the tradition of exchanging rakhis between people of different faiths.


Amongst our Hindu friends, the sister ties the rakhi on her brother 's wrist and puts a mark on his forehead and feeds him sweets first offered to the gods.In return the brother gives a gift to his sister.

Now this festival has become very commercialized. You can buy gold and silver rakhis encrusted with precious stones costing thousands of rupees and ordinary ones for as little as ten rupees.The gifts also come at various prices.Sweet shops are over crowded. There is festivity and gaiety in the air.

5 Fertilize my soul:

Pijush said...

Hi Amrita,

Thanks for all your comments in my blog. Wish you a happy Rasksha Bandhan. Yes, I also do feel that the festival has become very commercialized now.
The fire in Greece is somehow in Control. Athens is totally safe.

Have a nice day,
Cheers,
Pijush

Living day by day for Jesus said...

I absolutely love reading your blogs about Indian culture. It is so rich and I also loved the commercial! Praying God's blessing upon you as you celebrate! I am also happy that you are feeling better!

Anonymous said...

WoW...I didn't know about this story. Thanks for sharing and also the pics to go with it are very nice as also I share your thoughts too!

And from my side also lots and lots of sweets and affection as well as sincere wishes and I also pray to the lord to take care of you always in every moment of your life. I hope you are having an excellent day today on this wonderful occasion....

Jo's-D-Eyes said...

Hi Amrita,
Hi again an impressif story about the 'festivals' or habits of India,

Thanks a have a great day!

:) JoAnn

Becky Wolfe said...

Very interesting & suddenly made me miss my brother. Thanks for the history that goes with it too.