Significance of Rakhi

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.

Broader Significance
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.

Traditional Significance
The Raksha Bandhan festival is celebrated to commemorate the everlasting bond between brothers and sisters. Though it is marked by a simple ceremony, in which a woman ties a Rakhi on her brother's wrist, but it has got a great significance.