People take time out of their frantic daily routines to celebrate with their friends and family on special occasions. Nowadays, people are preoccupied with their jobs and hectic lives, unable to enjoy or meet their relatives or siblings. However, with Raksha Bandhan approaching, everyone has a chance to enjoy and meet their families and siblings who live many kilometres apart. People are undoubtedly getting ready to meet their siblings and rejoice while prepping for a big celebration with loads of food and gifts.
The Festival of Raksha Bandhan is an ancient Hindu celebration that takes place on Full Moon day, or Purnima, in the month of Shravan. Rakhi will be celebrated this year on August 11th, 2022. On Raksha Bandhan, the sisters tie a Rakhi thread around her loving brother’s wrist and pray for his safety and well-being; in exchange, the brother swears to have her back during thick and thins. During the festival, offline markets are flooded with Rakhis, but you can also shop for Rakhis online as you will get a variety of single Rakhi, Lumba Rakhi, rakhi set of 3 and so on. The fascinating part is that this festival isn’t just for biological siblings but everyone who wishes to celebrate it; ancient and mediaeval epic stories back this up.
Below are three stories that are associated with Rakhi celebrations.
Ancient Story
One of the most ancient stories related to the Raksha Bandhan celebrations, this story features the friendship of Lord Krishna and Draupadi. On the day of Makar Sankranti, Lord Krishna wounds his finger accidentally, and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, couldn’t bear seeing his Sakhaa, or friend, bleed, so she tears a small material from her saree and ties it around Krishna’s finger. Madhav then promised Draupadi that he would always protect her no matter what happened. When Duryodhana and Duhshana committed the sinful act and tried to disrobe Draupadi in the Mahabharata’s horrific dice game, Lord Krishna used his supernatural powers to help her by expanding her saree. This tale dates back to the Dwapar Yuga.
Medieval Story
Following the death of her husband, Rana Sangha, Queen Karnavati became the recognised ruler of Mewar. In the name of her elder son Vikramjeet, she governed. The queen requested assistance from other countries when Gujarat’s Bahadur Shah attacked Mewar for the second time. Karnavati requested assistance from Mughal Humayun, offering him a rakhi and begging protection. Even though Humayun’s father, Babur, had conquered Rana Sanga in 1527 and was amid another military expedition, the Mughal emperor dropped everything to support Karnavati in Mewar. The Mughal emperor was devastated when he didn’t arrive on time. Rakhi Karnavati put herself on fire; followed the Rajput ritual of Jauhar by self-immolating when the Rajput army was defeated in Chittor. Although Humayun himself later gave Vikramjit the throne.
Modern Early 20th Century Story
Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Laureate, launched a major Rakhi Mahotsava during the partition of Bengal in the early twentieth century to disseminate the spirit of Raksha Bandhan and build the love and harmony between Bengal’s Hindus and Muslims. He also pushed them to rebel against the British because it was the peak of the British Raj. Even though the state was partitioned, his custom carries on in West Bengal, where individuals tie rakhi to their neighbours and close friends.
Rakhi and Combo Ideas
On your brother’s wrist, you can tie a knot of love and cake and give a token of your love in the form of personalised gifts and toothsome delicacies. Below are some ideas to add to your Rakhis to make alluring combos.
Chocolates
Raksha Bandhan is incomplete without sweet delicacies. Traditional sweets are an inseparable element of Raksha Bandhan, but you can modernise the celebration by adding a delectable chocolate combo with your Rakhi.
Indoor Plants
You can surprise your brother with a blooming indoor plant on Raksha Bandhan. Add a peace-bringing Peace Lily or natural Air Purifier Sansevieria plant and make a combo.
Flower Bouquet
Another nature-related idea is to add a bunch of blooming flowers. Rakhi celebration will become perfect with a beautiful floral arrangement on the side. Witness your brother’s smile after receiving an alluring flower bouquet or basket.
Bespoke Gifts
This Raksha Bandhan, gift your brother a heartfelt personalised gift that will leave him in astonishment. A grooming kit, personalised caricature, LED lamp, custom-made wooden frame etc. are some ideas to start with.
