Raksha Bandhan

  Raksha Bandhan is a famous festival that is celebrated all over India. This festival attracts people from all walks of life, regardless of caste or religion. It falls on the full moon day of the lunar month Shravana (Shravana Poornima), which also happens to be Upa-karma day (changing the sacred thread for the brahmins, Avani Avittom in South India).   On this day, sisters apply tilak to their brothers' foreheads, tie the sacred thread called Rakhi around their brothers' wrists, perform arati, and pray for their good health and long life. This thread is known as the ‘Raksha Bandhan,' which means ‘a bond of security.' It reflects the love and sublime sentiments. In exchange, the brother gives his sister a gift and promises to look after her. Before binding a Rakhi on their brothers' hands, the sisters tie one on the Tulasi plant and another on the peepal tree, requesting that nature be protected – Vriksha Raksha Bandhan.   During a pandemic, it's diffic...

  The relationship between a sister and a brother is a very sacred one which is shared globally. However, a healthy siblings’ rivalry is a must in most families across the world especially when it is a brother-sister relationship. “She started it!” “No, he started it!” And it never seems to end. But in the middle of all the leg pulling and annoyance there is a great deal of love and affection shared among them. A mutual understanding which is eternal. This relationship is something which deserves to be formally celebrated and enjoyed. In many of the South Asian countries among people who religiously follow the practices and preaching of Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in which the sister is supposed to tie a Rakhi (a well decorated band made out of strings, sort of a bracelet) on their brother’s wrist and in doing so tightens the bond shared by the siblings. In today’s everchanging fast-paced world, this dicey relationshi...