Augest 16, 2008.
Rakhi, the Sister's Day, is celebrated in India to symbolize the love and emotional bond between brothers and sisters. Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is a traditional Indian festival in which sisters tie a sacred thread of protection around their brother's wrists. By accepting a thread from his sister, the brother is bound to protect his sister from harm. The sanctity of the thread that the sister ties to a brother's hand makes the relationship glow with noble thoughts and blessings of love, devotion and duty of the brother towards his sister.
People in India celebrate this festival on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana. The frail rakhi thread is considered stronger than iron chains in India as it binds brothers and sisters in a bond of everlasting trust and love. Sisters apply 'tikka' on their brothers' foreheads and brothers reciprocate by giving them gifts and tokens of cash. In turn, sisters buy gifts and sweets for their brothers. The meaning of this festival has expanded, so those who do not have brothers tie rakhis to others and initiate a new brother-sister relationship that usually continues for a lifetime.
People in India celebrate this festival on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana. The frail rakhi thread is considered stronger than iron chains in India as it binds brothers and sisters in a bond of everlasting trust and love. Sisters apply 'tikka' on their brothers' foreheads and brothers reciprocate by giving them gifts and tokens of cash. In turn, sisters buy gifts and sweets for their brothers. The meaning of this festival has expanded, so those who do not have brothers tie rakhis to others and initiate a new brother-sister relationship that usually continues for a lifetime.
This festival also has an important social significance, because it underlines the notion that every one in society should live in harmonious coexistence with each other as brothers and sisters in society. The best way forward towards attaining this social goal is to initiate a lifetime bond that makes men and women, young and old alike with pious feelings towards each other.
The aim of Rakhi is to achieve a harmonious coexistence for everyone and removal of social strains. Simultaneously, it strives to cultivate noble thoughts in society and imbibe feelings of brotherly as well as sisterly love for members of society. The festival is rooted deeply in the psyche of every Indian since the past. Legend says that Rajput and Maratha queens have send rakhis even to Mughal kings who despite their personal differences, rose to protect them from harm.
How to celebrate it
There are a lot of rakhis available in the market encompassing both traditional and modern themes. These include thread rakhis, moti (pearl) rakhis, silver rakhis, silver coin rakhis and more. There are rakhis even for children such as chocolate rakhis, Superman, Batman, Pokemon, Krish, Mikey mouse rakhis, and so on.
On this day, brothers and sisters send cards and gifts to each other. Traditional gifts mark the occasion. These gifts include rakhi baskets with ethnic stuff, fashion jewellery, gift hampers, ethnic dresses like sarees, kurtis, Punjabi suits, dresses and dress material, traditional puja thalis, Indian Sweets like Kaju Katli, barfi, pendas, boondi laddoos and such, dry fruits such as cashew nuts, raisins, almonds, pistachios, and such.
Other gifts include apparels, watches, perfumes, etc other due to the influence of the present day modern culture. On this occasion, brothers also give a token of money as appreciation for their sisters. Sisters also purchase return gifts for their brothers, which includes men's items such as perfumes, kerchiefs, sunglasses, watches, mobiles, shirts, trousers, wallets, belts, apparels, electronic items, and such.
11 comments:
You know this is the first time i heard this kind of celebration. This is very good. At least all brothers and sisters have the chance to show each other and celebrate the emotional bond between them.
I have heard Mother's Day, Father's Day...but this is the first time I heard Sister's Day. Nice to know that matter.
I love my sister, we have a good relationship. After i read your article here in your blog, i immediately greet my sister only with a kiss. Because i don't have that thread you are saying in your blog that time. The important is that I know that I can celebrate the relationship of brother and sister. Thanks for publishing it Dhirendra.
It's wonderful that you publish that kind of festival there in your country. You are like promoting it. Because every one is celebrating Mother's Day, Father's Day, but now as I know that there is this celebration of Sister's Day, I can celebrate it even we don't have here that in our country. It's a nice thought.
Nice article you bring out there Dhirendra. It's the first time I read about this celebration. I am close to my sister. We can now have the moment to spend on that day. Perfect thinking.
Hi friend,
I read your article about The sister's Day in India. It's nice to know that there is this kind of celebration. At least every part of the family have their own day. I like your article. It's good.
One thing I know when I read your article, it’s so genuine. Positive thinking of life make us all have that power. I’m sure many will come and read your blog. With the title itself, everybody will be eager what’s inside this article. Keep it.
When it comes to reading noteworthy article, the opportunities are unlimited, and yours are all incomparable.
You are touching so many minds by this wonderful article you published! It's to know that there is this kind of celebration. More closer family ties!!!!!!!
The best portion of a good article is that when you make your reader satisfied through it. For me, all your articles are the best. It don’t make me feel bored with it.
People Laugh People Cry, Some give up Some will try, Some say hi Some say bye. Others may forget what you have in your blog, but I’m sure it will never die. It will be always remembered.
Post a Comment