Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the many festivals that are celebrated by Hindus worldwide and particularly in
India, Mauritius and Nepal. It is one of the prominent festivals which are celebrated yearly on the auspicious day of
Shravan Purnima (full moon) since time immemorial.
This unique festival which commemorates the sacred and pure bond between a brother and a sister is considered a
symbol of purity. The custom of tying the sacred thread of Rakhi on the wrist of the brother enjoins the latter to
protect the sister’s sanctity while she prays for his well-being and professes her love for him. It is to be noted that
protection does not mean physical protection, as it is a known fact that all brothers are not readily available to protect
their sisters. Therefore what kind of protection is it that Rakhi bestows on an individual?
To understand the deeper meaning of this festival, it is necessary to go back to the root of its commemoration. This
‘bond’ was first started by God himself through Prajapita Brahma, at the confluence of Kali Yug and Satya Yug. God,
the Incorporeal Shiva, through the medium of Brahma Baba descends on earth to look for His children and to teach
them the knowledge necessary for the establishment of the new world based on purity. At this time, all the children
have to take this pledge of purity in order to transform themselves into pure souls so that they may attain the
kingdom of purity, peace and prosperity. Thus the first bondage of purity and love is established by the Supreme
Father, Supreme Soul, Shiva Himself.
Since that time Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated by many. In ancient India, the Rajput queens practised the
custom of sending Rakhi threads to neighbouring rulers as a token of brotherhood. Later and up to now, all Brahmins
tie this sacred thread to devotees before performing all religious ceremonies, as a sign of divine protection.
However, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with greater solemnity at the
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University as the sacred thread is
tied to the wrists of not only brothers but to sisters as well. The
application of ‘tilak’ to the forehead of the individual is to remind the
latter of his or her true identity and inner self as a point of light. The
sharing of sweets after Raksha Bandhan is to bring about softness and
sweetness in our speech, manners and interactions. The practice of
presenting a gift is to ensure self-transformation through the
surrendering of our vices of lust, anger, ego, greed and attachment.
Thus, this blissful bondage is celebrated to bring forth universal
brotherhood based on the fatherhood of One God whilst promoting
the culture of love, purity and peace.