Dr. Ashaq Hussain
Raksha Bandhan is a reminder that the threads of unity are stronger than any divisions, and together we can create a world full of communal harmony and Peace.
India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and religions, and one of the most beautiful aspects of this diversity is the way different communities come together to celebrate each other’s festivals. Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, is a prime example of how festivals can transcend religious boundaries to foster unity and harmony. In recent years, Raksha Bandhan has gained recognition as a festival that strengthens the bonds between peoples irrespective of region or religion, showcasing the true spirit of India’s pluralism.
Raksha Bandhan, often simply called Rakhi, is a celebration of the love and protection between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called a “Rakhi” around their brothers’ wrists, and in return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. This simple yet profound ritual symbolizes the strong and unbreakable bond between siblings.
A sister’s love, so pure and so sweet, A brother’s protection, in every heartbeat. However, what makes Raksha Bandhan unique is that it transcends religious lines. While Raksha Bandhan has deep roots in Hinduism, it has transcended religious boundaries and has become an occasion where people from different faiths come together to celebrate the spirit of love and protection. This interfaith connection is a testament to the unity and harmony that can exist in India’s diverse society as it has become a festival that resonates with people of various faiths, including Muslims. In some areas, entire neighbourhoods participate in Raksha Bandhan celebrations, where sisters from Hindu and Muslim families exchange Rakhis, sweets, and well-wishes. These communal celebrations showcase the unity and brotherhood that exist beyond religious lines. Raksha Bandhan is not limited to individual families but also extends to communities and society as a whole. Many organizations and NGOs organize special events where Rakhis are tied to the wrists of people from different faiths as a symbol of mutual respect and protection. This practice promotes peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of living harmoniously in a diverse society. In several cities across India, community organizations have started organizing interfaith Raksha Bandhan celebrations. These events bring together people from different religious backgrounds to tie Rakhis and celebrate the spirit of brotherhood. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and people of all faiths come together to exchange Rakhis and sweets, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. A Raksha Bandhan bond of unity has its roots in various historical and mythological narratives. One well-known legend in context with Hindu-Muslim rakhi bonds is the tale of Rani Karnavati of Mewar, who sent a rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun seeking protection for her kingdom. Touched by her gesture, Humayun swiftly responded to her call and protected her realm from external threats. This story underscores the idea that Rakhi transcends religious boundaries, showcasing the strong bond between a Hindu queen and a Muslim emperor. In today’s world, where divisive forces often dominate headlines, Raksha Bandhan stands as a beacon of hope and love and has emerged as a symbol of harmony and unity. The festival sends a powerful message of unity, love, and protection that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It reminds us all that we are bound together by the ties of humanity and that we should cherish and protect one another, regardless of our differences, particularly in the context of Hindu-Muslim relations. For example, in the bustling city of Mumbai, the Bhati sisters run a small sweet shop. One Raksha Bandhan, they decided to send Rakhis to their regular customers, which included many Muslim families. This simple gesture of goodwill touched the hearts of their Muslim customers, who reciprocated with sweets and gifts during Eid. This exchange of love and respect between the Bhati sisters and their Muslim friends is a shining example of how festivals can bridge religious divides. Similarly, Bilal, a Muslim auto-rickshaw driver, and Khushboo, a Hindu student, became friends during Khushboo’s daily commute to college. One Raksha Bandhan, Khushboo tied a Rakhi on Bilal’s wrist as a symbol of their friendship. Bilal, touched by the gesture, gifted Khushboo a box of sweets during Eid. Their bond grew stronger, and they often celebrated each other’s festivals together, proving that humanity transcends religious differences. Some organizations and individuals have taken the initiative to use Raksha Bandhan as an opportunity to promote communal harmony. They distribute Rakhis with messages of peace and unity to people of all religions, encouraging them to tie Rakhis to those from different faiths. This act of brotherhood extends beyond blood relations, emphasizing that we are all connected by the thread of humanity. Today, the digital age has amplified the reach of heart warming stories that emerge during Raksha Bandhan. Social media platforms are flooded with pictures and stories of Hindu-Muslim camaraderie, showcasing how this festival serves as a bridge between communities. These stories not only warm hearts but also break down stereotypes and promote the idea that peaceful coexistence is not just a possibility but a reality. To conclude with, Raksha Bandhan has evolved from being a purely Hindu festival to a celebration of unity, love, and brotherhood among people of different religions. These heart warming examples of Hindu-Muslim relations through Rakhi serve as a reminder that India’s diversity is its strength. As we celebrate this beautiful festival, let us all strive to build stronger bonds of friendship and understanding across religious lines, just like the sacred thread that unites brothers and sisters on Raksha Bandhan. Let us remember the message of love and unity it carries and strive to build a society where such bonds of love and protection extend to all, regardless of their faith or background.
So on this special day, I want to say,
Happy Raksha Bandhan, in every way
May our bond grow stronger with time,
Forever and always, you’ll be mine.
(The writer is Associate Professor Chemistry at GDC Chatroo).