Geeta Ashram Youth

What Raksha Bandhan is and What it Means to Me

by Namita Soni

It’s that time of the year again where mothers remind their daughters to start preparing trays lined with sacred threads and their sons to save up their money. Why? Because today, Sunday is the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan. This occasion is usually celebrated on the last day of the Hindu Lunar Calendar which usually happens to be August. It has been observed in my family ever since I could remember. Every year, without fail, I will find myself tying rakhis for my brothers, giving them hugs and then waiting for my presents. I’ve seen my mother doing the same, even going to the extent of sending the rakhis overseas to her brothers whom she could not tie for in person.

As I grew older, the significance of Raksha Bandhan was explained to me. I understood that tying the thread signifies the bond between the siblings, the love and joy shared. In turn, the brother vows to protect his sister, regardless of whether she’s the older one or the younger one. So why celebrate? What’s the big deal? Well, the history of Raksha Bandhan goes back decades, with countless tales of how it came to be. One of the most special ones is about how Krishna had cut his finger and Draupadi had ripped a strip of cloth from her saree and tied it around his wrist to stanch the bleeding. Touched by the gesture, Lord Krishna vowed to protect her.

Eventually, over time, it became a very significant tradition and with all the tales and stories blending in together, Raksha Bandhan became a holy occasion where we tie rakhis around the wrists of our brothers to celebrate our relationship and togetherness with them. So, if we can celebrate Teacher’s Day, Mother’s Day and even Children’s Day, why not celebrate the bonds we have with our siblings? Thank them and remind them that you’ll always be by their side, no matter if distance or years were to separate them. That’s how I feel about it. It’s not even about what I get in return anymore, but the fact that after everything, I can always rely on my big brother to help me out and protect me if I can’t handle myself. So, here’s wishing Happy Raksha Bandhan to all my brothers and thanking them for all the years protecting me and spoiling me. Wouldn’t be here without my bhaiya ❤

Geeta Ashram Youth would like to wish one and all a Happy Raksha Bandhan 🙂