Rakhi – A Timeless Bond of Love &
Protection
While browsing through my archives, I
stumbled upon a precious black-and-white photograph I had clicked in the early
1980s — a Rakhi celebration featuring the children of my friends. Back then, I
was working for a local daily in Patna, capturing moments of various festivals
to feature in the paper.
Those were the days without social media,
mobile phones, laptops, or even the convenience of color photography. I used to
shoot in black-and-white, develop the films in a darkroom, create prints, and
submit them to the editor. Today, the world is flooded with vibrant Rakhi
images on social, print, and electronic media — brothers and sisters dressed in
colorful attire, celebrating the bond in style.
The photograph I found is tattered and
untouched — a raw memory of a time gone by. The children in the picture are now
grown up, with families of their own, and it’s heartwarming to see their little
ones carrying forward the same traditions.
Raksha Bandhan, popularly known as Rakhi, is
more than just a ritual — it’s a symbol of love, duty, and protection between
brothers and sisters, even when they are not biologically related. Indian
history is filled with touching legends about Rakhi. One of the most popular is
that of Lord Krishna and Draupadi — when Krishna injured his finger, Draupadi
tore a piece of her saree to bandage it. That simple act of care became the
sacred bond we now celebrate.
Another legend speaks of King Bali and
Goddess Lakshmi. Disguised, Lakshmi tied a Rakhi to King Bali on the day of
Shravan Purnima, sealing a bond of goodwill and protection.
Indian cinema, too, has immortalized Rakhi
through soulful songs like “Mere Bhaiya, Mere Chanda” and “Bhaiya
Mere Rakhi Ke Bandhan Ko Na Bhoolna”, melodies that still evoke deep
emotions.
Rakhi is celebrated across India, cutting
across caste, creed, and community. Sisters tie a colorful thread on their
brother’s wrist, apply tikka of roli, chandan, and rice, and offer
sweets. Brothers, in turn, give gifts and vow to protect their sisters.
Some states, like Delhi, even offer special
privileges on this day — women can travel free in buses and enjoy discounts on
sweets and festive items. Institutions often send Rakhis to the armed forces,
honoring their role as protectors. In Bihar, for instance, popular educator
Khan Sir receives countless Rakhis from girls and celebrates by hosting a grand
feast for them.
Today, whether through online deliveries or
in-person gatherings, the essence of Rakhi remains unchanged — it’s about love,
remembrance, and the promise of care.
Wishing all my readers, friends, and
well-wishers a very Happy Raksha Bandhan.
📷 Old memories — toddlers
celebrating Rakhi
✍ Text & Photo: Ashok
Karan
🔗 ashokkaran.blogspot.com
#RakshaBandhan #RakhiCelebration #SiblingLove
#IndianFestivals #CulturalHeritage #FestivalOfBond #AshokKaranPhotography
#TraditionAndLove
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