Rakshabandhan and Their Special Significance for Sisters

Sisters can be a pain in the neck at times but they are the most lovable of them all. Even if they are annoyingly bratty, you cannot help but pamper them. They are most affectionate and adorable, and to a sister, a brother is one of the most important people in her life. He is the one who will protect and care for her no matter what, and he is also the one who have always looked out for her whether at school or at the playground. A brother however strict and stern will always cave in to the smile of his sister. No wonder sisters hold their brothers with deep affection and love.

And Rakshabandhan is the most special occasion for sisters and brothers everywhere. It is the day when sister can affirm her relationship with her brother and also expect loving gifts in return from him. The value of the gifts is not what really matters, but Rakhi gifts for sisters are matters of love and affection. A gift makes her feel secure in that the brother cares for her and she is also proud of his affection that he would take the effort to present her with a heartfelt gift. The tradition of Rakhi gifts for sister holds special significance for them that they will feel hurt and even unloved if by mistake they do not receive one. For a sister nothing could be more of joy and re-assuring than a gift from her beloved brother on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, the special festival for them.

The Secular Outlook of Rakshabandhan

Even though Raksha Bandhan is traditionally a Hindu festival, the occasion has now turned out into a much more secular even with people from all religions and ethnicities participating in it. The festival is celebrated predominantly in the subcontinent of India and in the rest of the world with considerable Indian population. But it is not Hindus alone, Muslims, Sikhs and Jains to participate in this unique festival. Raksha Bandhan transcends religious boundaries and cuts across cultural boundaries.

The festival is also an occasion for renewing societal ties and family gatherings. On the day of the festival, after the sister has tied the sacred thread known as rakhi around the wrists of their brother, the tradition is for the brother to bless and present her with gifts. The rakhi gifts for sisters are a token of his accepting her love and relationship and they portray commitment and security. The brothers take a bow to protect their sisters at all costs with these return gifts. The act of tying rakhi and gifting is not limited to real brothers and sisters; even biologically unrelated people tie Rakhis and present gifts to one another. Anyone whom we consider as brothers or sisters are remembered on this occasion, and even if one stays abroad or are far from home, they still send Rakhi gifts to sister through couriers and online services. Raksha Bandhan is a festival that promotes harmony and mutual love between people near or afar, and across religions and blood ties.