Broader Significance of Rakhi

Though Raksha Bandhan is mainly a celebration between siblings of the opposite sex, over the years this has extended even to those people who are not biologically related as siblings. In fact, it has taken much broader perspective. Raksha Bandhan has come to symbolize the close bond of love, cooperation and togetherness between people.

An interesting example of this practice comes from Indian's struggle for freedom. During the Swadeshi movement, the great poet Ravindranath Tagore organized the Rakhi tying ceremony between the Hindus and the Muslims to show solidarity and brotherhood against the partition of the province of Bengal. Another example of tying Rakhi is evident from our immediate political surroundings when on the day of Raksha bandhan, women and children tie this sacred bond on the wrists of important dignitaries like the PM and the President.

Another modern and a great facet of Raksha Bandhan is the practice of sending Rakhis to the Indian soldiers. During war days, this practice of tying and sending Rakhis to the Indian soldiers becomes more intense. This was very much visible during the Kargil war when womenfolk sent this sacred thread of Rakhi to the brave soldiers. The concept of Raksha Bandhan has become wider and Rakhi is tied to anybody whom a girl wants to be a sister or brother or even a friend. These days, on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, girls and children visit orphanages and prisons to tie Rakhi to the inmates. This is an emotional and humanitarian approach towards humanity, which the threads of Rakhi very well bind.