31 August this year will mark Raksha Bandha, the Hindu festival to pay a tribute to the love between brothers and sisters.
The term “Raksha Bandhan” translates to “the bond of protection.” Observed on the full moon day in the month of Shravana, this festival centres around the tying of a sacred thread, the “Rakhi,” by a sister on her brother’s wrist. In return, the brother pledges to safeguard and support his sister throughout life.
The ritual is not limited to blood siblings; it extends to cousins, close friends, and even distant relationships. The Rakhi symbolizes love, care, and the promise of mutual protection. Beyond its traditional significance, Raksha Bandhan has evolved into a celebration of family togetherness, marked by exchanging gifts, sharing feasts, and creating lasting memories.
There are many legends and stories to denote the celebration of Raksha Bandhan. One such story goes back to Mahabharata.
According to the Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna cut his finger while handling sugarcane, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, a central figure in the Hindu epic, tore a piece of her sari and used it to bandage his wound. Touched by her selfless act, Krishna declared her as his sister and promised to protect her. This act of affection and commitment laid the foundation for the Raksha Bandhan festival.
The festival is marked by Hindus across the world, irrespective of caste and creed.
Here in the UK too, the Indian or the Hindu diaspora is looking forward to the festival, some with excitement, some with a sense of desolation.
Udit Gupta, a recent graduate from Leeds Beckett University, says he will feel homesick: “I will be working on some shift on the day of Raksha Bandhan, while remembering all those Raksha Bandhan celebrations, I had with my family.
“Other Hindu festivals, you can celebrate with your friends and community, Raksha Bandhan is truly special only when your family is around. So, the feeling of not being around my sister, my family fills me with a sense of desolation.”
Ankit Nayak, who is also a student in Leeds, and has been in UK for a year and a half, said: “I am looking forward to Raksha Bandhan, despite of the distance between me and my sisters. I will communicate with them digitally and share a laugh with them, remembering all our memories. I also look forward to sending them presents from the UK to India. Despite the distance, Raksha Bandhan will remain special for me and the love between me and my sister will always keep us united.”
Jinisha Bhanushali, a student in Westminster, sent Rakhis to India for her brothers. She says: “Raksha Bandhan has always remained special to me. This year, I have sent a Rakhi to my brothers in India as a surprise. They aren’t expecting a Rakhi to come from London. I am looking forward to seeing their reaction when they actually receive a Rakhi from me.”
Nikita Parikh, another graduate in Leeds says, “The festival has always been an important one for me. Back at home, all of us cousins used to come together at one place to celebrate the festival. However, now we are spread across the globe. A few of my cousins are in the US, while others are in India. Much hasn’t changed, we will be celebrating the festival virtually. I admit it’s more fun when we all are present in person.”
