Raksha Bandhan (August 12)
The month of August brings along with itself the
season of Monsoon (Rainy Season). Along comes the
festival known as Raksha Bandhan aka Rakhee.
On this day, sisters tie an amulet, the Rakhi, around
the right wrist of their brothers praying for their
long life and happiness. Rakhi is a symbol of the bond
between brothers and sisters. Raksha means protection,
and in some places in medieval India, where women felt
unsafe, they tied Rakhi round the wrists of men they
could count upon, regarding them as brothers.
Not only do the participants in the function develop a
sense of love and affection amongst themselves but
they also affirm their loyalty and devotion to the
society of which they are the children. Their
commitment to protect each other and also the society
as a whole is emphasized through this simple ceremony.
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