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| Rakhi- the delicate threat that binds strong relations | | | Early Times Report
Jammu Aug 3
Jammu is all set to mark the festivity of the Raksha Bandhan the festival which symbolises love, affection, and the good wishes of health, wealth and happiness of a sister for her brother.
Celebrated with joy and fervour the festival falls in the month of Sravan and mainly involves the tying of a thread or rakhi around the wrist of brother with prayers of a prosperous long life, has been there since the vedic times.
As per Hindu legends the Sravani, the sacred thread changing ceremony and Raksha Bandhan are celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Sravan and thus the day is often regarded by two names. Ever since, the tradition of tying the thread began it was believed that the persons would be blessed with health, wealth, happiness and victories. The practice has been more prevalent among the Rajputs, where women tied a rakhi to the brave Rajput soldiers going to go to the battle field. This ritual of tying the thread around the wrist after applying a ‘teeka’ on their forehead continues till date. This was considered a good prophecy and the women believed that it would protect their men from the enemy’s blow and bring them glory. And the famous historic battle field evidence of Rakhsa Bandhan comes from Rajashthan again when Mughal Emperor Humayun was sent a thread of respect from a Hindu Queen when in distress. History recalls that emperor Humayun alongwith his army came to the Rajasthan but it was too late. But the incident only symbolizes the regard and respect of the a weak thread which even made a Muslim emperor to join the battle fled for the sake of a unknown female to save her honour and dignity. Over a period of time, however, the significance of Rakhi moved on from battle fields to personal relations reflecting the bond of affection when sisters tied rakhi to their brothers, while, the brothers in turn assured them of protection from all evil. Rakhis today are available in different colours, shapes, and sizes from the typical round ones to heart shaped, sandalwood rakhis and toy rakhis for small boys. Now, even commercialisation has intruded into the domain of rakhi ceremony with the manufacturing of gold, silver and even diamond studded rakhi threads. But the love and affection and the spirit that binds a sister to her brother irrespective to age remains the same. Rakhi gave us an opportunity to celebrate relationships. Satya Malhotra, a retired teacher says, “The festival infact is worthwhile to invite relatives and prepare home made recipes. “We at our family enjoy making sweets at home and then I even used to make tilak at home with haldi and lemon juice,” she recalled adding that though the times have changed and so has the meaning of festival. These days it has become more of a ‘rush rush affair now,” she lamented. "No matter how busy we are in the fast-paced world, a brother, even staying apart, does not forget taking time off from his busy schedule to talk to his sister or sister on the Rakhi day," said Swati Sethi, and added, "My brother who is on his training since last two years but I miss him the most on Raksha Bandhan when I have to post a Rakhi to him. It is not only girls who are emotionally attached to this festivity but the boys too seem to be emotionally attached to the festivity of Rakshha bandhan. Twentyseven-year-old Anuj Sachdev, working in a Pharmaceutical company said Rakhi is the day when he misses his sister the most as she is married and settled in Australia. “I received her rakhi three days ago and I have not opened it yet. She will call me on the Wednesday and then I will get her Rakhi to be tied on my wrist by my younger cousin he said.
While the girls were seen busy in market to buy the best rakhi for their brothers the children and young boys were seen indulged in the looking for best kites and the special thread manjha used to fly a kite,
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