RAKHI CEREMONY

SOME RITUALS TO BE FOLLOWED
AT RAKSHA BANDHAN CELEBRATION

www.boldsky.com - Only a few days to go for Raksha Bandhan, the celebration of the sibling bond. Not only sibling, this festival is a celebration of all kinds of brother-sister bonding. Tying rakhi on brother's wrist and getting gifts in return is the best part of this festival which makes it the most awaited celebration of the year for all the sisters. Raksha Bandhan in Sanskrit literally means "the knot of protection".
It is an ancient Hindu festival that ritually celebrates the love between brothers and their sisters. The sister performs a rakhi ceremony, then prays to express her love and her wish for the well being of her brother. In return, the brother ritually pledges to protect and take care of his sister under all circumstances. It is one of the several occasions in which family ties are affirmed.

Tying rakhi forms the most crucial part of the festival, but there are also a few other rituals of Raksha Bandhan: Fasting - It is customary for the sister to not eat anything till she ties the rakhi. Rakhi Thali - A thali (tray with metal plates) has to be decorated with all the essential items in it. The thali should contain a rakhi, lamp, sweets, tilak and rice. Tying Rakhi - First the sister has to put the tilak and rice on the forehead of the brother. Then it is followed by aarti (ritual of worship). After that she ties the rakhi on his wrist and feeds him sweets.
Gifts - The brother has to give gifts in return to his sister. He also has to promise that he would take care of her in every situation in life. Grand Treat - After the rituals are over, the sister can take her first morsel of food. After that grand treat follows, in which the sister cooks up the favourite dishes of her brother.

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters. Sanchita Chowdhury, writer of the article, explains which are the most common rituals to be followed while tying the rakhi. Days before the festival of Raksha Bandhan, women start shopping for rakhis. Anwesha, Sub Editor in Boldsky, says that many different type of rakhis are available in the market but there is nothing more special than a handmade rakhi. "If you really want to make your brother feel special, you can use some ideas to make rakhi yourself. No matter how simple your handmade rakhi is, it will not fail to bring a smile to your brother's face," she says. The brothers, in return, usually give a gift and token money to their sisters, which also signifies a spiritual pledge that a brother gives to his sister for protecting her from any harm at any time. The bonding between the brothers and sisters becomes strengthened on such occasions. Our commitment and protection to our sisters and brothers should be permanent. When we get connected with the eternal reality, the Absolute Bliss, Sri Krsna, we are in harmony to everyone and we try to help brothers and sisters equally. But first, we have to learn how to relate as brothers and sisters. Helping spirit, helping mind, if someone is weak. In order to achieve the perfection of life, we should not maintain prejudices or sectarian views or beliefs. We are all brothers and sisters on this spiritual platform. We should learn how to love and respect every living entity, not only of human, but all species. A Vaishnava is always concerned for the welfare of all living beings, no differences. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

In Vedic culture, siblings respect each other very much. The day of sibling-worship is an important family celebration. At such times sisters give a small gift to their brothers. They tie some colored thread on their wrists, asking for their protection by God's blessing. The brother does his best for his sister, especially in protecting her. If a female is not married but has a brother, she can be sure there is someone to take care of her. The young man will not leave the house; he will not marry until his sister is wed, and until he is convinced that she is in good hands. This is not a theory; it is still like this today. If you try to attain a beautiful relationship with God, begin by trying to have good relationships with everyone. If you want to see Him, try to live so that He wants to see you. If you treat those around you as a good brother or sister, you can see God in them, too. This is the culture of spiritual progress.

Śrīla Bhakti Aloka Paramadvaiti Mahārāja :
“The Science of Relationships”
http://www.vedic-wisdom.org/
http://www.vrindanews.com/nectar/science_of_relationships.html
http://bhaktipedia.org/espanol/index.php?n=paramadvaiti_ba.asociacion_mundial_vaisnava

 

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/