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The sacred bond of Rakhi
By: Jas Cheema
August 28, 2005
Relationships are at the essence of many South Asian celebrations. Last Friday, many families celebrated Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, a celebration
that commemorates the love and bond of affection between brothers and sisters. The sibling relationship is an important part of Indian culture.
As the name suggests,"Raksha Bandhan" is "a bond of protection," a pledge from brothers to protect their sister from all harm and a prayer from
the sister to protect the brother from all evil.
On this day they each pray for each other's happiness. This is a very busy time for Indian retailers selling Rakhis, sweets, cards, and clothing.
I noticed even the local mainstream card shops are coming on board with Rakhi cards. The celebration starts with the sister purchasing a Rakhi.
There are many styles, colours and materials. It's usually a cotton or silk string with various decorations and/or beads on it - much like a
friendship bracelet.
Along with the Rakhi, she may also choose to take some sweets or a newer trend is to choose chocolates, donuts, candy or cookies over the
traditional Indian sweets. The sister then ties the Rakhi on the brother's wrist and they both pray for each others' well-being, followed by
a pledge from the brother to take care of his sister under all circumstances.
The brother then usually gives something to his sister to mark the occasion. Clothes, sweets and/or money are very common. Even siblings who do
not live close by will celebrate by sending cards, e-mails, etc. The celebration is no longer just between siblings though; sisters who do not
have a brother will celebrate the occasion by tying a Rakhi on a cousin or a friend she feels a close bond with.
In the past Rakhi created a beautiful, sacred way for women and girls to be protected during times of political and social turmoil. Some men
may injure and dishonour women, but no one would injure his own sister. The bond of Rakhi is held so sacred that no man would dare leave his
sister unprotected, let alone actually injure her himself. Some may look at this tradition and say that women no longer need to be "protected.
But there is more to this than just protection, it's a way of uniting families and creating healthy relationships. Embracing others as your
own brothers and sisters strengthens and purifies relationships, thereby creating a universal brotherhood. The Rakhi tying ritual has become
so much a part of Indian families that come what may, brothers and sisters try to reach out to each other on this particular day bringing
back the oneness of the family, and binding the family in an emotional bond. For me this tradition symbolizes and underscores the way we
should all live together as brothers and sisters - relationships filled with love, devotion and affection, but free from lust and violence.
Jas Cheema's column, Across Cultures, appears in The Leader twice a month, and addresses a variety of cultural and social issues.
Send your comments or questions to jascheema@barkel.com but please don't send attachments. They will not be opened.
© Copyright 2005 Surrey Leader
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