Raksha Bandhan

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Raksha Bandhan

• The Hindu festival of

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• This annual "festival" commemorates
• the ties between brothers and sisters.
• It usually takes place in late August

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• It is marked by a very simple ceremony in which
  a girl or woman ties a rakhi which may be a
  colorful thread, a simple bracelet, or a
  decorative string around the wrist of her
  brother(s).

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• The word
• "raksha" signifies protection,
• and "bandhan" signifies an enduring sort of
  bond and so, when a woman ties a rakhi around
  the wrist of her brother, she signifies her
  loving attachment to him.

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• She might say something like
• "Dear Brother. Accept my blessing and affection
  through this sacred thread which tightens our
  relationship better"

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• He, likewise, recognises the special bonds
  between them, and by extending his wrist forward,
  he extends the hand of his protection over her.

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• Today, tying a rakhi around the wrist of someone
  not related to you is not uncommon. It is done to
  signify protection or friendship.
• In Britain this idea caught on in the form of
  friendship bracelets.

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• In India on raksha bandhan day, a number of women
  may tie the rakhi around the Prime Ministers
  wrist and similarly soldiers can expect to have
  women tie rakhis around their wrists.

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• Everywhere, especially in north and western
  India, females might tie a rakhi around the wrist
  of boys and men without sisters.

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• Rakhis can be any colour, but red and gold are
  popular

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• Today rakhis are often decorated with
  multi-coloured silk thread and adorned with
  stones and beads.Once the rakhi has been tied a
  mantra (prayer) is chanted.

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• Many Hindu girls make a rakhi for their brother.
• However, rakhis can be bought easily at festival
  time.

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• As well as rakhis, cards are also sometimes given

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• Can you identify some of the messages given in
  the design of the next card?

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• Raksha Bandhan represents one of the most
  sentimental festivals of India. It is based on
  the emotional ties that bind a brother and sister
  in a very close bond - the most sacred
  relationship of life, without any ulterior motive
  or demand of any kind.
• Raksha Bandhan is a day of festivity and
  happiness.