RAKSHABANDHAN : Celebration Of Fraternal Love

Multi-hued rakhis present a festive appearance. A platter offered to a brother contains sweets, vermillion and rakhis. The most widely celebrated festival of the month of Shravan occurs on its full moon day and is called Narali Purnima (Coconut Day) or Rakshabandhan. In the cycle of seasons, this full moon day marks the receding path of the monsoons. As the rains abate, sailors and fisherfolk worship a calmer sea, offering coconuts, flowers and sweets to it. In some parts of India, this day is reserved for changing the yagnyopavitor the sacred thread, when young boys discard their old yagnopavit and don a new one ritualistically.

In a broader concept, the tying of rakhis signifies the duty of the strong to protect the weak. Today, Rakshabandhan or rakhi tying is celebrated on a widespread basis. All over India, shops are full of rakhis or silken bracelets, with gold and silver threads. Numerous rakhis are designed out of zari, silk, plastic, semi-precious stones, embroidered cloth and sequins. Irrespective of religion or creed, a woman buys these gay rakhis to tie ceremonially on to her brother's wrist to ask for love and protection. These are given to brothers along with sweets during an arati. A brother, having accepted a rakhi, promises support and love in return.

In Indian historical lore specially that of the Rajputs and Marathas, there are several instances of Hindu queens sending rakhis to Muslim kings to seek their help. Despite their differing beliefs, the kings invariably provided their help, thus honouring the fralernal bond. Rakshabandhan means 'a tie of protection'.

This ancient custom originates in a myth about Indra, who was once defeated by enemy demons and deprived of his riches. Shachi, his wife, went to Vishnu who gave her a special thread to tic on her husband's wrist.This thread gave lndra the power to fight the demons and win his riches back.

Krishna's birthday in the month of Shravan is a Joyous celebration. Cradles with the divine baby are worshipped at midnight. The next morning pots of yoghurt and butter are hung high up in the streets of Bombay and young men create human pyramids to climb up and break them, amidst cries of Govinda!

an. In the cycle of seasons, this full moon day marks the receding path of the monsoons. As the rains abate, sailors and fisherfolk worship a calmer sea, offering coconuts, flowers and sweets to it. In some parts of India, this day is reserved for changing the yagnyopavitor the sacred thread, when young boys discard their old yagnopavit and don a new one ritualistically.