Timeless Tales: Raksha Bandhan, a thread of love that grows stronger with time

Indian Express

3 days ago

Rakhi, or Raksha Bandhan, is celebrated during the month of Sawan or Shraavan, on Poornima—the full moon day. Lore has it that when Krishna was going to war, his sister Subhadra tied a thread on his wrist and blessed him, saying, 'May you shine like the full moon of Poornima and emerge victorious!' That was the first Raksha-ka-Bandhan, a protective charm tied by a sister on her brother's wrist. Later, when Draupadi tore off a strip from her saree to bandage Krishna's bleeding finger, Krishna repaid that debt by protecting her dignity during the infamous cheer-haran.
Children, especially girls, love Rakhi for all the pampering that comes with it. Parents want their children to play together, grow together, and remain lovingly connected. Sadly, that doesn't always happen. We often talk about love between friends, parents, sweethearts, and children, but what about sibling love? Especially between grown-up siblings? While sibling rivalry is a well-worn topic, sibling love somehow gets left out.
Most temples have idols of deities with their consorts—Radha-Krishna, Gauri-Shankar, Lakshmi-Narayan, or Sita-Ram. But the Jagannath Temple at Puri is perhaps the only one where sibling love is celebrated—Lord Jagannath (Krishna), his brother Balbhadra (Balram), and their sister Subhadra are worshipped together.
Traditionally, Rakhi is seen as a thread sisters tie on their brothers' wrists while asking them for protection. This practice came from a time when girls were considered the weaker sex. Today, with equality in education, opportunities, and even inheritance, things have changed. I prefer to believe that when a sister ties Rakhi, she is praying for her brother's well-being. Over time, both brothers and sisters will need each other, in good times and bad.
Girls are making their presence felt everywhere, even in the armed forces. Most recently, Colonel Sophia Qureshi led Operation Sindoor from the front. So does the idea of seeking protection from a brother still hold? Maybe not in the old sense but Rakhi still offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with siblings. As we grow older and life gets busier, months and even years can pass without meeting. Rakhi nudges us to pause and reach out.
When I was little, I remember how my two younger brothers felt that Rakhi was unfair—my sister and I got money, and they didn't! Our parents always told them that it was their duty to protect us. Now, decades later, they still give us gifts, but with a smile. I believe these rituals are just exchanges of energy. Yet, that little envelope of Rakhi money still brings a smile to my lips.
When parents are gone, siblings become even more precious. I see my mother in my sister, and my father in my brothers. Meeting them feels like reconnecting with parts of my parents. Rakhi is a perfect day to nourish these bonds. Yes, siblings can fall apart, especially over property or ego. But let's remember: just as our parents moved on to higher realms, we too shall follow one day, leaving everything behind. Let the memories we carry be sweet—not bitter.
Enjoy Rakhi, and all the love it represents.