Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj, two cherished Indian festivals, celebrate the profound bond between siblings. Raksha Bandhan, with its protective and loving rituals, and Bhai Dooj, marking the bond with blessings and feasting, are steeped in mythology and tradition. Vedika Jain says these festivals not only reinforce familial ties but also highlight the deep emotional and cultural values that bind brothers and sisters together. Through these celebrations, the essence of sibling affection and duty is vividly brought to life.
The Indian culture vividly portrays the bond between siblings as one of its most cherished and enduring relationships. Amidst the spectrum of festivals that highlight familial love and duty, Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj emerge prominently, each encapsulating unique rituals and deep-seated legends and significance. These celebrations transcend mere tradition, imbuing profound cultural and emotional resonance, thus reflecting the quintessential values of familial bonds within the Indian society.
Raksha Bandhan, colloquially known as Rakhi, epitomises the protective and affectionate bond between brothers and sisters. The term ‘Raksha Bandhan’ translates to ‘the bond of protection’, symbolising the brother’s vow to shield his sister from adversities and the sister’s prayers for his long life, prosperity and well-being. Celebrated on the full moon day, Shukla Paksha Poornima, of the Hindu month of Shravan (usually August), Raksha Bandhan is marked by a series of rituals and ceremonies.
Mythological origins
The origins of Raksha Bandhan are steeped in mythology and history, enriching its cultural narrative. One of the most renowned legends comes from the Mahabharat, where Draupadi ties a strip of her sari around Lord Krishna’s finger to stop his bleeding. Moved by this gesture, Krishna vows to protect her, a promise he upholds during the infamous disrobing incident in the Kaurav court.
Another historical story involves Rani Karnavati and Mughal Emperor Humayun. The Rajputs were embattled in trying to prevent the Muslim invasion. Mewar regent Karnavati, following the death of her husband Rana Sanga and her son being of minor age, was attacked by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.
Facing an imminent invasion, Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi to Humayun, appealing for protection. Touched by her plea, Humayun, despite being in another war, honoured the call of Raksha Bandhan and rushed to her aid, albeit too late to prevent the fall of the Rajput army at Chittor. To protect her honour, the queen performed Jauhar. However, upon Humayun’s arrival, Shah retreated and Karnavati’s son Vikramjit sat on the throne.
The festival also finds mention in historical texts, observed among royals and commoners alike, transcending social and religious boundaries. It is said that Rabindranath Tagore used Rakhi to promote unity and solidarity among Hindus and Muslims during the partition of Bengal, emphasising the festival’s universal appeal beyond familial ties.
Raksha Bandhan’s rituals, though simple, are profoundly significant. Sisters prepare a ceremonial platter containing a rakhi (sacred thread), roli (vermilion), rice grains, and sweets. The day begins with sisters performing an aarti, applying a tilak on their brother’s forehead, and tying the rakhi around his wrist, praying for his long life and happiness. Brothers, in return, give gifts and pledge lifelong protection. The exchange of gifts and sweets is accompanied by laughter, nostalgia, and the rekindling of childhood memories.
Raksha Bandhan is not confined to biological siblings; it is also celebrated among cousins, close friends, and even neighbours, symbolising a broader social fabric of mutual care and protection. In contemporary times, the festival has evolved as well.
Keeping tradition alive
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Phota, is another festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. It falls on the second day of the fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik, just after Diwali. So, it is celebrated on the Dwitiya Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon). The festival, akin to Raksha Bandhan, underscores the affectionate and protective nature of the sibling relationship, focusing on the sister’s prayers for her brother’s well-being and the brother’s promise of protection.
The origins of Bhai Dooj are rooted in various mythological tales. One prominent legend, mentioned in the Puranas, speaks of Yama – the god of death – visiting his sister Yamuna on this day. Yamuna, delighted by her brother’s visit, prepares a sumptuous meal for him. Touched by her love and hospitality, Yama grants her a boon that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day shall be blessed with long life and prosperity. Since then, Bhai Dooj has been a day of celebration, symbolising the eternal love and protection between siblings.
Another popular story involves Lord Krishna and his sister Subhadra. After Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasur, Subhadra welcomes him with a tilak and aarti, praying for his safety. This act of affection and reverence has become a key ritual in the Bhai Dooj celebrations.
On Bhai Dooj, sisters prepare a pooja thali with sweets, flowers, and a special tilak often made from sandalwood paste and vermilion. The ritual begins with sisters applying the tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, followed by an aarti and the offering of sweets. Sisters also perform a ritual where they wave a plate containing water, a lamp, and other items in front of their brothers, a gesture meant to ward off evil and bless them with good fortune.
In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and appreciation. The festival is also an opportunity for family gatherings and feasting, strengthening familial bonds and sharing moments of joy and laughter.
Celebrating familial bonds
While Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj are the most widely recognised festivals celebrating sibling love, other regional festivals also emphasise the significance of this relationship and other familial bonds. In the mosaic of Hindu festivals, certain celebrations extend beyond the traditional observances of Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj.
These include Karva Chauth, Kajari Teej, etc. reflecting unique regional customs and cultural significance. These festivals, while primarily focused on different aspects of the familial relationship, also underscore the enduring love and support siblings offer one another.
Karva Chauth is a prominent festival observed predominantly in North India, where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. The origins of Karva Chauth are steeped in mythology and folklore.
One popular legend recounts the story of Veeravati, a devoted wife who, after fasting for her husband’s long life, falls into a state of despair when she hears of his death. Moved by her devotion, goddess Parvati intervenes, restoring her husband’s life and making her an exemplar of wifely devotion.
On Karva Chauth, married women dress in traditional attire, often red or pink sarees, and perform a series of rituals. They prepare a Karva (a clay pot) filled with water, which is used during the pooja. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon through a sieve, followed by performing a final aarti for their husbands.
Karva Chauth also sees a reciprocal gesture of love between siblings. Brothers, acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by their sisters, present them with gifts, which often include jewellery, clothing, or money. This tradition underscores the supportive role brothers play in their sisters’ lives, complementing the festival’s focus on marital devotion with a celebration of sibling affection.
Another popular festival, Kajari Teej is primarily celebrated in the northern states of India such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It is observed by married women who pray for their husband’s long life and prosperity and for the safety and well-being of children. On this day, married women fast for an entire day. Parents often present their married daughters observing a fast with jewellery, new clothes and sattu (roasted gram flour).