Today, I visited at ''prayash'' orphanage home in Jahangir Puri, New Delhi, on the great occasion of ''RAKSHABANDHAN'' (Rakhi) and distributed sweets to the wonderful children, to convey my LOVE, CARE and PEACE.
Rakhi is a sacred thread embellished with sister's love and affection for her brother. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers and express their love to them. After receiving the rakhi from a sister, a brother sincerely takes the responsibility of protecting her sister. In Indian tradition, the frangible thread of rakhi is considered even stronger than an iron chain as it strongly binds a brother and a sister in the circumference of mutual love and trust.
Any Indian festival seems to be incomplete without the traditional Indian festivities, such as gathering, celebrations, exchange of sweets and gifts, lots of noise, singing and dancing. Festivals are the celebration of togetherness as being as a united family and the festival "Raksha Bandhan" is not an exception of this.
The love and self actuation towards a novel cause between a brother and his sister is the theme of this great festivals. It is a festival that is mainly celebrated by the people of Northern and Western part of India, but people from other parts also celebrate this festival with same alacrity. Although, the mode of celebration may differ from region to region, but the central theme of this great festival remain same.
As far as the traditions and rituals are concerned, sisters prepare the "pooja thali" with diyas, roli, chawal and rakhis. They worship the goddesses, ties rakhis on the wrists of their brother(s), and wishes for their well being. On the other hand, the brothers acknowledge their love with a promise that they will remain by their sisters' side and protect them from every fall and down throughout the life. Brothers also give token gifts to their sisters.
From ancient period of time, this festivals has been celebrated in the same manner and tradition. As the lifestyle of people has been changing with passing time, therefore, today, this festival is being celebrated elaborately. This day fosters a undying and divine relationship among the siblings. Far off physical location may sometime bring an abstract feeling among the siblings, and this auspicious day provides a link to bring them together. The joyous meeting, the rare family get- together, the erstwhile feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood call for a massive celebration.
Best regards.
