[jyotirmoy]

Raksha Bandhan is an unspoken pledge exchanged between a brother and sister cementing their fraternal relationship. This also reinforces their protective bond against all ills and odds. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the day of Shravan Poornima (full moon of the rainy season) that falls in the month of August every year. This year it falls on 9th.August. On this very day, the sisters tie a delicate, decorated, thread on the wrist of their brothers as a symbol of love and affection. This makes the brothers bound to protect their sisters from any trouble or wound.
Raksha Bandhan day starts with a festive mood in every Indian home. Rakhis are bought before the festival. Now this Rakhi industry is booming, a good export market has also come up now. Traditional goodies and dishes of the particular region are prepared early in the morning. After an early bath, the offering of Puja takes place. The sister then offers “aarti” to her brother and ties the thread on his right wrist. Traditional “tilak”or vermilion powder on the forehead of the brother is put and the brother blesses the sister. The tradition of giving gifts and presents is also an important part of this festival. The brother gifts his sister a gift after she ties the Rakhi on his wrist. This gift acts as a token of love and affection of the brother towards the sister. Sometimes sisters also demand for a gift of their own choice to keep it as a loving memory of that very day. Treating her brother along with her entire family, the goodies and eatables that have been prepared follows next & that’s when I make my entry.
Of late some sisters have raised their voice against this festival, they have declared that they don’t need the protection offered by their brothers. Very well… but hey that is one feast gone !!!!!