Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a celebration that is beloved among siblings as it celebrates their unique connection. A festival traditionally celebrated on Purnima – full moon day – in the Hindu month of Shravana. This year the festival falls on Monday August 19th.
The history of this festival shows in a Sanskrit epic when Lord Krishna killed Lord Shishupal for the safety of the Dharma on the planet. Lord Krishna injured his finger and it was bleeding so Draupadi, Pandavas’ wife, tore part of her sari and out it around the bleeding finger. Following this Lord Krishna made a promise to safeguard Draupadi in recognition of her intense love and concern for him. Years later Draupadi was disrobes when the Pandavas lost aa dice match to their cousin brothers – the Kuravas. Lord Krishna safeguarded the dignity of his sister through his divine powers and stayed true to his duties to protect her from harm.
Over the years this festival has reached beyond cultural and religious boundaries in order to unite siblings and today represents unity and interpersonal relationships and cousins, friends and those dear to us are tying rakhi for each other. Today many will tie to people who do important jobs in society like police, nurses, doctors etc.
Raksha Bandhan Rituals:
A silver plat, thali, containing puja offerings (rice, vermilion, sweets, fruits, curd, incense and diya), perform an aarti of your brother (traditionally) and wish prosperity. Sisters apply tilak on their brother’s foreheads and feed them a sweet or nut. The brother gives the sister a rakhi and she ties it to her wrist. So traditionally this ceremony reminds the brother about his duty to look after and be there for his sister. It reaffirms their bond and this is celebrated with sweets.
TCfR has participated in this festival this year and as the photos show over the last few days rakhi have been tied for a few people in Lincoln. Through this we have been raising awareness of Raksha Bandhan and increasing understanding of this festival.
Rajendra tied rakhi for his friend and TCfR Chair, Rev. Steve Holt
Minesh cousin tied Rakhi for him
Nina tied Raki for Pete
Subash tied Rakhi for Kit Moyles at Lincoln Pride event
