Rakhi - Is it Still a Pious Festival!

Relevance of Rakhi!

Today is Raksha Bandhan! Well for half of India, it is, thanks to the confusion about the date of Rakhi this year. But what I was thinking is more about the concept and feelings underlying this festival. Is date so important a factor? If a pandit says that so and so time on a day is not good for tying Rakhi and if a sister ignoring this 'verdict,' ties Rakhi to his brother's wrist, will it make any difference to the feelings they share? If they share a caring relationship, will they start hating each other? Or if they can't stand each other but tie Rakhi in an auspicious hour, will they start liking each other?


Is Rakhi still meant to symbolize protection of sister?

As far as I know, Raksha bandhan got its name because the one who ties the Rakhi is not able to defend herself and thus the stronger sibling (read brother) is supposed to protect her from all evils. Rakhi thus binds the brother with this 'bandhan' (bond) of doing 'Raksha' (protection) of his sister. However, do the sisters still need to be dependent upon their brothers for protection? Seeing the statistics of crime in our state, I am prompted to say yes! But immediately this other question surfaces within my mind- are brothers themselves safe or are they strong enough to take on the world to protect her sister? Sometimes even more serious question comes up- are brothers sensitive enough to understand sisters?

Souring relationships and relevance of Rakhi!

Gone are the days when brothers and sisters were ready to sacrifice their lives for each other. I am just talking in general terms. There might be some brother sister couples who still live and die for each other! However, everyday news from around us that tell us the stories of cheating related to property and money, about crimes committed among family members, about brothers and sisters not visiting each other in times of need and valuing their relationship only in terms of the value of gifts and money force me to judge the relevance of this pious thread called Rakhi! It seems that Raksha Bandhan has only become a day of festivities, of good food and sweets, of new clothes and valuable gifts! It seems to have lost all its importance regarding that sacred feeling that ties the hearts of a brother and sister!