A large section of the Indian community celebrated ‘Raksha Bandhan’ on August 13, with women tying ‘Rakhi’ (a colourful band, with or without floral designs) on the wrists of their (biological or adopted) brothers.
This Festival, predominantly popular in North India, demonstrates a unique bond that exists between brothers and sisters, the former, not only vowing to protect the latter, but also showering them with gifts.
A few years ago, a Maori colleague at work (I will call him “Haki,’ though not his real name) was keen to learn about Indian festivals, which he said, were colourful, meaningful and ‘full of fun.’
But he also learnt the sorrowful and emotional aspect of the festival. He was visibly disturbed when he heard that another colleague Seema (not her real name) could not mark Raksha Bandhan with her brother, who was terminally ill with cancer in Australia. She had no leave to her credit and hence could not be with her brother.
Going over to her desk, Haki told Seema that he could understand her feelings.
“Three years ago, my only sister ran away with her boy friend. I will miss her forever but I believe we should move on in life. Would you mind accepting me as your brother and tie the rakhi on my wrist?”
Bursting into tears of joy, Seema said, “Of course brother, you are God sent.”
Haki and Seema have become a model for brother-sister relationship. We have all gone to different jobs since then and do not meet often.
But I understand that Haki and Seema are in regular contact and ensure that they meet at least once a year on Raskha Bandhan Day.
Editor’s Note: The following is an extract from a report that appeared in our August 15, 2004 issue, filed by our former Reporter Manju Shelke:
There are many legends associated with this festival, highlighting the sacred emotion between a brother and a sister.
In Mahabharata, Lord Krishna saves the honour of Draupadi, the Pandava wife, when the Kaurava king Duryodhana directs his brother Dushashana to disrobe her in the open court.
Legend has it that once, when Krishna’s finger was bleeding from a cut, Draupadi tore a piece off her garment and tied it around the wound.
This signified Raksha Bandhan and Draupadi became Krishna’s sister.
The unending piece of garment that he supplied her to protect her dignity as an attempt to outrage her modesty by Duryodhana and Dushashana signifies the ‘debt’ that Krishna repaid.
It is said the great Hindu King Purushotham (Porus) refrained from striking Alexander the Great during the battle fought on the banks of the Hydaspes in 326 BC because the latter’s wife had tied rakhi on his hand offering protection.
Raksha Bandhan today has extended to the larger section of the society.
