Although Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as the festival of brothers and
sisters, it has worn a much broader significance since time immemorial.
Traditionally, Raksha Bandhan is considered the sacred bond between
brothers and sisters but there are numerous historical and modern
examples which show that Rakhi has a much broader connotation. The
sacred thread of Rakhi is just not limited to only brothers and sisters
but it could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. There are
interesting examples of Rishis tying the sacred bond to the people who
came to seek their blessings. This signified protection from any ensuing
evil. Then, the festival of Rakhi also symbolizes peaceful coexistence,
which is evident when neighbors and friends tie Rakhi on each other's
wrists. Rakhi also holds a life long pledge to practice moral, spiritual
and cultural values. The values and the sentiments attached to the
rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race.
Through these pages, we are trying to throw some light on the
traditional as well as broader significance of Raksha Bandhan.
