Rakhi – A Timeless Bond of Love & Protection

 

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

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