The Raksha Bandhan you're celebrating now looks a lot like the one shown in Bollywood films and rakhi-related ads. This picture-perfect rakhi celebrating moments in a nutshell are our rakhi festivities in a nutshell, with the sister tying the rakhi on the brother's wrist and giving him sweets as he surprises her with over the top rakhi gifts online. There are also some ancient and new customs that have been embraced in our rakhi festivities, such as rakhi presents and online rakhi to be mailed in India from overseas. The rakhi festivities and traditions that we have come to know and follow, on the other hand, are a more modernised version of the earlier ones. Traditions like these have been passed down through the decades and are rich with mythology both known and unknown. As a result, keep an eye out for these well-known brother-sister pairs who are included in our history books and other mythology for popularising the Raksha Bandhan festivities that we know today.
Draupadi and Krishna
The Mahabharata's Lord Krishna and Draupadi are undoubtedly the most well-known brother-sister combination. According to mythology, Krishna was chopping sugar on Makar Sankranti when he inadvertently sliced his index finger, which bled profusely. Draupadi's presence of mind prompted her tear a strip from her saree and wrap it on his finger while his consorts hurried to get bandages. Krishna was moved by her kindness and promised to assist her in her time of need. As a result, Krishna kept his word and rescued Draupadi's honour at the horrific disrobing ritual. Similarly, the brother, like Krishna, swears to defend his sister.
Humayun and Queen Karnavati
Despite the fact that rakhi is derived from Hindu scriptures, many individuals of various faiths are charmed with and celebrate it. The Mewar region's Queen Karnawati was attacked by Bahadur Shah, according to folklore ( not the last Mughal emperor). In her agony, she sent a Rakhi as an SOS to Mughal emperor Humayun, who rushed to her aid after quitting his war expedition. As a result, this mythology depicts a non-blood relationship between a brother and a sister.
Yama and yamuna are two mythical creatures
When his sister put rakhi on his wrist, Yama, the deity of death, endowed the river Yamuna with immortality, according to legend. Also, it is thought that when a brother swears to protect his sister as she binds the rakhi on his wrist, he will always remain eternal in his sister's mind, despite how far-fetched it may seem.
Santoshi Maa with Ganesha
If you're not familiar with Santoshi Maa's origins, you should know that she was created as a result of our personal Rakhi celebrations. When Ganesha's sister came to tie a rakhi, his sons argued that they, too, needed a sister, just like their father. Ganesha formed Santoshi from the sacred flames at their request, same to how Sita was created.
King Bali and Laxmi
Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a doorman at King's Bali palace, as was the case with Deities. Laxmi, his consort, missed her husband and pretended to be an elderly woman, to whom King Bali showed sympathy by allowing her to stay in the palace. When Laxmi tied a rakhi on his wrist, the king flourished with her in the home and sought to fulfil her requests. Laxmi then requested Vishnu, who showed his true personality and fulfilled her wish.
King Porus and Roxana
The mythical fight between King Porus and Alexandra is difficult to overlook; yet, many people are unaware of the role of Roxana, Alexander's queen. Fearing for her husband's safety, his wife sent a holy thread to Porus, pleading with him not to kill Alexander. Rakhi is therefore very important not just in India, but also in other countries.
Indra and Indrani, Lord Indra and Indrani
Lord Indra's wife Indrani is said to have wrapped the sacred rakhi thread around his wrist to safeguard him from Demons.
Mahatsov, Rakhi Rabindranath Tagore organised the event.
Raksha Bandhan is meant to encourage camaraderie among people of different faiths, and it was instituted by Rabindranath Tagore during the Bengal Partition in 1905. In response to religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims, Tagore created a Rakhi Mahatsov, in which members of many faiths participated in Rakhi rituals despite communal tensions.
As a result of these tales, myths, historical events, and fables, the Rakhi gifts you celebrate today was born. Your Raksha Bandhan festivities will be just as spectacular if you cultivate the same attitude of brotherhood and togetherness that brought these historical or mythological individuals together. So, the next time you celebrate Raksha Bandhan with rakhi presents, keep in mind the meaning of the day.
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