Raksha Bandhan a festival that honors the bonding of siblings had a distant cousin in the western world as friendship band. But it is true that in the modern days women can be free in expressing their willingness to acquaint colleagues or friends as brothers by tying a tying a rakhi. Raksha Bandhan celebrated on this day is only affirming the bonding of siblings. On this full moon day in the Hindu Shravan month, the sister ties a colorful thread around the wrist of her brother for his protection with love and affection all through their existence. She sweetens his mouth as a part of the celebrations. While the brother gifts her with an assurance that he would honor her requests. All said and done Raksha Bhandhan once a festival of the Northern parts of the country has crossed barriers and traveled across the lengths and the breadths of the south. Raksha Bandhan is not restricted to any faith or religion and it is universal call for solidarity.
From the woman’s point of view, brother and sister relationship extends a sense of security. Though many would argue outwardly that it is all trash, atleast it restricts evil thoughts of advancing Romeo's, initially. Hence Raksha Bandhan is a self-defense weapon for Eves at the office or in the society, to some extent. However this could not be the whole some defender, as some may jump the boundaries, yet some others might be of help, in such cases.
Raksha Bandhan has rich legacy in the past dating back to several centuries. As per an interesting jottings, Alexander the emperor in the 326 BC had invaded India. And at one point was contemplating over the strengths and courage of Indian King Porous. And as he was in two minds his wife sensing his thoughts secretly sent a Rakhi to King Porous, which implied that her family must be protected. As the battle proceeded, at one point King Porous was to slay the emperor and on noticing his Rakhi, refrained. Such is the power of the colorful bonding in the thread on the wrist. The pages of Indian history testify that the Rajput and Maratha queens have sent Rakhis even to Mughal kings who, despite their differences, have assuaged their Rakhi-sisters by offering help and protection at critical moments and honored the fraternal bond.
The listings are endless and it is ofcoures true that Rakhi in a way protects a woman. And the abuse of women is universal, hope this self defense weapon also turns universal. The next time you feel some one is intruding your private space, the best ways is just celebrate the Raksha Bandhan with them amidst the entire lot. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
