13. Why is Rakhi Celebrated ? रक्षाबंधन क्यों मनाया जाता है

Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a traditional Indian festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The word Raksha Bandhan literally means "the bond of protection."

Why is Rakhi Celebrated?

1. Celebrating Sibling Love and Protection
On Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties a rakhi (sacred thread) around her brother’s wrist as a symbol of her love and prayers for his well-being. In return, the brother gives gifts and promises to protect her throughout her life.

Mythological and Historical Reasons:

a. Draupadi and Krishna (Mahabharata)

  • When Krishna injured his finger, Draupadi tore a piece of her sari and tied it to stop the bleeding.

  • Touched by her care, Krishna vowed to protect her always. This is seen as a symbolic origin of Rakhi.

b. Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun

  • Rani Karnavati of Chittor sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, seeking protection against an invasion.

  • Honoring the rakhi, Humayun marched to help her—though he arrived late, this story highlights rakhi as a call for protection beyond religion or politics.

c. Yama and Yamuna (Vedic Tradition)

  • Yamuna, the river goddess, tied a rakhi to her brother Yama, the god of death.

  • Yama was so moved that he declared any brother who received a rakhi would be blessed with a long life.

This reflects how Krishna protected Draupadi when she called upon him in her time of need (disrobing scene

Sabha Parva Texts  Text 67


'Bhima said,--'If I had not known, O Dhananjaya, that the king had acted according to Kshatriya usage, then I would have, taking his hands together by sheer force, burnt them in a blazing fire."

Then Dussasana, O king, forcibly seizing Draupadi's attire before the eyes of all, began to drag it off her person."

Vaisampayana continued,--"When the attire of Draupadi was being thus dragged, the thought of Hari, (And she herself cried aloud, saying), 'O Govinda, O thou who dwellest in Dwaraka, O Krishna, O thou who art fond of cow-herdesses (of Vrindavana). O Kesava, seest thou not that the Kauravas are humiliating me. O Lord, O husband of Lakshmi, O Lord of Vraja (Vrindavana), O destroyer of all afflictions, O Janarddana, rescue me who am sinking in the Kaurava Ocean. O Krishna, O Krishna, O thou great yogin, thou soul of the universe, Thou creator of all things, O Govinda, save me who am distressed,--who am losing my senses in the midst of the Kurus.' Thus did that afflicted lady resplendent still in her beauty, O king covering her face cried aloud, thinking of Krishna, of Hari, of the lord of the three worlds. Hearing the words of Draupadi, Krishna was deeply moved. And leaving his seat, the benevolent one from compassion, arrived there on foot. And while Yajnaseni was crying aloud to Krishna, also called Vishnu and Hari and Nara for protection, the illustrious Dharma, remaining unseen, covered her with excellent clothes of many hues. And, O monarch as the attire of Draupadi was being dragged, after one was taken off, another of the same kind, appeared covering her. And thus did it continue till many clothes were seen. And, O exalted on, owing to the protection of Dharma, hundreds upon hundreds of robes of many hues came off Draupadi's person. And there arose then a deep uproar of many many voices. And the kings present in that assembly beholding that most extraordinary of all sights in the world, began to applaud Draupadi and censure the son of Dhritarashtra. And Bhima then, squeezing his hands, with lips quivering in rage, swore in the midst of all those kings a terrible oath in a loud voice.

"And Bhima said,--Hear these words of mine, ye Kshatriyas of the world. Words such as these were never before uttered by other men, nor will anybody in the future ever utter them. Ye lords of earth, if having spoken these words I do not accomplish them hereafter, let me not obtain the region of my deceased ancestors. Tearing open in battle, by sheer force, the breast of this wretch, this wicked-minded scoundrel of the Bharata race, if I do not drink his life-blood, let me not obtain the region of my ancestors."

Vaisampayana continued,--"Hearing these terrible words of Bhima that made the down of the auditors to stand on end, everybody present there applauded him and censured the son of Dhritarashtra. And when a mass of clothes had been gathered in that assembly, all dragged from the person of Draupadi, Dussasana, tired and ashamed, sat down. And beholding


Modern Significance

  • Rakhi is now inclusive, and people celebrate it between cousins, close friends, or even across communities and religions.

  • It's also used to promote unity, peace, and social harmony.

How It Is Celebrated

  1. Sisters perform an aarti (prayer ritual) for their brothers.

  2. They tie a rakhi on his wrist and apply a tika (vermilion mark) on his forehead.

  3. Sweets are exchanged, and brothers give gifts.

  4. In return, brothers vow to protect and support their sisters.

Conclusion

Rakhi is not just a ritual—it’s a symbol of emotional bonding, mutual respect, and lifelong support. Its meanings have evolved over time but remain rooted in the values of love, duty, and protection.