Raksha Bandhan
विक्रम सम्वत् 2072
श्रावण शुक्ल पूर्णिमा
श्रावण शुक्ल पूर्णिमा
29th August 2015
Raksha Bandhan, it means ‘bond of protection’ in Hindi and with same theme it is celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the fullmoon day during ‘Shravan’ month as per Hindu calendar.
The festival is marked by the tying of a Rakhi or holy thread by the sister on the wrist of her brother. The elder brother in return offers a gift to his sister and vows to look after her same while an elder sister returns offers to her younger brother. Also Brother and Sister traditionally feed each other sweets. This event is more about Brother and Sister Love affection and commitment to care for each other a family get-to-gather occasion. On this day, sisters pray for long life of their brothers and ask God to bless them with his blessings. Brothers in turn, give them best gifts and promise to care and help them life long.
The Rakhi event importance also reflects in Mahabharata epic, another great saga pertaining to the legend of Rakhi is the evergreen story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi. It is generally assumed that the original ritual of Rakhi began with Draupadi and Krishna during the epic war. This story is a reflection of the pure bond between a brother and sister. The thread of Rakhi and the story of Krishna and Draupadi tell us about the element of faith and emotional security amongst siblings.
According to the legend, Krishna loved Draupadi so much, that he called her 'sakhi'. Draupadi too had a lot of faith on Krishna. She prayed to him with utmost devotion. During the great battle of Mahabharata, Lord Krishna threw a celestial weapon at Shishupala, in order to punish him for numerous sins. During the act of hurling the Sudarshan Charka from his index finger, Krishna hurt himself. On seeing blood drops, Draupadi immediately rushed to protect her Lord. She tore off a piece from her sari and wrapped it around his finger, stopping the bleeding. Krishna was touched by her gesture of devotion and pure love. He asked her what she would like in return of this favor. Draupadi, like a true sister, just asked for the Lord's holy presence in her life forever. From that moment onwards, Lord Krishna has been with Draupadi like a shadow protecting her from every small and big trouble. When the Kauravas tried to dishonor Draupadi through “Cheer Haran” (removing her sari) in a hall of people, she prayed to Krishna continuously. The lord took care of her honor and punished the sinners during the battle of Mahabharata. This story holds a very special position in the Hindu household owing to Mahabharata.
