Rum & Dal

Raksha Bandhan is the celebration of brother sister relationship. The sibling relationship is nowhere so celebrated as in India. The day when the siblings pray for each others’ well being and wish for each others’ happiness and goodwill. As the name ‘Raksha Bandhan’ suggests, ‘a bond of protection’, Raksha Bandhan is a pledge from brothers to protect the sister from all harms and troubles and a prayer from the sister to protect the brother from all evil. The festival falls on the Shravan Purnima (full moon day of shravan month) which comes generally in the month of August. The sisters tie the silk thread called rakhi on their brother’s wrist and pray for their well being and brothers promise to take care of their sisters. The festival is unique to India creates a feeling of belongingness and oneness amongst the family. Though now it is considered as a brother and sister festival, it was not always so. There have been examples in history where in rakhi has just been a raksha or protection. It could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. The Rishis tied rakhi to the people who came seeking their blessings. The sages tied the sacred thread to themselves to safe guard them from the evil. It is by all means the ‘Papa Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva’ or the day that bestows boons and end all sins as it is mentioned in the scriptures. Rakhi for many centuries encompassed the warmth shared between the siblings but now it goes way beyond it.

So there you have, now you know what its all about. To my brothers in the UK …  Parm, Chany, Rav and Mick.  I haven’t sent any Rakhis this year, but I am thinking of you all on this day, more then any other.  Hoping you are all well and all planning to come visit some time soon

Rum would also like to thank his sisters for thier well wishes and thoughts.  He still has your rakhis from last year in his car.