CEO’s Note – August
Raksha Bandhan also known as Rakhi is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the beautiful bond shared between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread, known as a rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love and protection. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters throughout their lives. The festival, which usually falls in August, is a time for family gatherings, exchanging sweets, and cherishing the unique relationship between siblings. The origins of Raksha Bandhan are rooted in ancient Indian history and mythology, with various stories and legends associated with the festival. Some interesting stories associated with it are:
1. Lord Krishna and Draupadi’s story : After Lord Krishna killed Shishupal, he was injured and one of his fingers was bleeding. Seeing this, Draupadi tore a piece of her cloth and tied it around Lord Krishna’s finger to stop the bleeding. Krishna was so touched by this gesture by Draupadi, that he promised to always protect her. And so, later when she was being disrobed by the Kauravas in the court, Lord Krishna came to her rescue– thus fulfilling the promise he had made to Draupadi.
2. Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and King Bali’s story : Another story associated with Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima is from the Vishnu Purana which involved Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and King Bali. In this story, King Bali- who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu– was given the boon that Vishnu ji would protect him and his kingdom. For this, Lord Vishnu left Vaikunth- his heavenly abode- and resided on Earth. To reunite with her beloved husband, Goddess Lakshmi then visited King Bali and tied a Rakhi on his wrist during Shravan Purnima and in return, she asked for Lord Vishnu back– who was disguised as a gatekeeper protecting King Bali. Humbled, Bali then asked Vishnu ji to return home with Maa Lakshmi. Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu promised to return and visit him for four months in a year.
3. Yam and Yamuna’s story : As per popular legend, Goddess Ganga reminded Yam, the God of death, to visit his sister Goddess Yamuna and so he did. On seeing her brother after a very long time, Yamuna was very happy and she prepared various delicious dishes for him. To celebrate the day, she also tied a Rakhi on his wrist. Happy and humbled by this gesture, Yam blessed her with immortality and promised to protect her
4. Roxana and King Porus : Another legend has it that when Alexander invaded India in 326 BC, his wife, Roxana sent Porus a sacred thread and asked him not to harm her husband on the battlefield. Honoring the request, when he confronted Alexander, he refused to kill him. Per some legend, eventually, Porus lost the battle of the Hydaspes River but would gain Alexander’s respect and honor.
I am sure we have many more stories on Raksha Bandhan. Whichever story one may have heard in our childhood, the sacred and beautiful bond between a brother and sister is highlighted in this traditional festival and still celebrated with much gusto and jubilation.
