The Raksha thread is similar to any other ordinary thread, but its essence is so very vast that nothing can be compared to its sanctity. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated to fortify the bond shared between brothers and sisters in India. It is usually observed in the month of August and on this day every sister ties that ordinary thread of love on their brother’s wrist, imparting to it an all together a great value.
There are a great many of online stores that provide a hassle free way of buying Rakhis & gifts for brothers and sisters. One of the most reliable online Rakhi portals in that regards is Rakhibazaar.com, which has a vast collection of trendy online Rakhis. This year in 2017, the day is falling on 7th of August! Be sure to find the most perfect Raksha thread for your brother this time. With this gesture of love and care and your effort, you can altogether give a different meaning to the relationship leapfrogging to a higher level.
Let’s first dive Deep into the essence of Raksha Bandhan celebration by throwing light on its various aspects.
The literal meaning of Raksha Bandhan in Sanskrit is “the bond of protection”! Raksha Bandhan word has been made from two words that is, “Raksha” which means protection and “Bandhan” which means the bond of unwavering faith. This one is an ancient festival that celebrates the duties of brothers and sisters towards each other. Every sister on this day performs the puja ritual and prays for his well-being by tying Rakhi thread and offering Aarati. Brother on return pledges to protect his sister as long as he lives.
The history of Raksha Bandhan dates back to thousand years and so it is an ancient festival of India. Here are a few of the incidences that will establish the connection of Raksha Bandhan to the ancient times.
The story goes like, when in 326 BCE, Alexander the Great invaded India his wife thought of sending a sacred thread to King Peru, requesting him not to cause any harm to his husband. This touched his soul and he gave all the respect to the sacred thread. And, that stopped him from attacking Alexander in the battle of battle of Hydaspes.
During the Indian colonial era Rabindranath Tagore advocated for the concept of Raksha Bandhan and Rakhi thread. He inspired respect, love and mutual protection between Muslims and Hindus with the means of Raksha thread. When in 1905, the British divided Bengal on the basis of being Hindu and Muslim; Rabindranath Tagore arranged a public meeting to celebrate Raksha Bandhan as a way of empowering the bond of brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims. Further, he came up with the idea of Rakhi Mahotswa to symbolise the Unity of Bengal. The custom continues till now and many of them tie the thread of Rakhi on their friend’s and people of their neighbourhood.