Happy (Belated) Raksha Bhandan.........

[Guest guest]

HAPPY (BELATED) RAKSHA BHANDAN TO SISTER MADHVI, MELODY & TO ALL THE SISTERS IN

THIS GROUP.................from preetham sai p.v.

Raksha Bhandan - the legend

Shrava purnima’s second festival is Raksha Bandhan. This is an ancient

tradition. Bhavishya Purana refers to a battle between gods and demons, and

Indra (the king of the gods) was feeling depressed. At that time Indra’s wife

Sachi took a thread, charged it with sacred verses or Mantras for protection

and tied it on Indra’s hand. Through the strength of this thread Indra

conquered his enemies. Since then till today this festival is

celebrated.Through the passage of time festivals are undergoing modifications.

Raksha Bandhan is also known as Rakhi. Rakhi has become a sacred festival for

sisters and brothers. Sisters tie them to brothers. Priests tie them to people

of his congregation. During the middle ages, if a woman tied a Rakhi on the

hand of any man, then it became imperative for him, as his religious duty of

the highest order, to protect that woman. That man would put his life at stake

to protect the honour of that

woman. In those days, many Rajputs sacrificed their lives to protect their

spiritual sisters. Humayun received a Rakhi from the queen Karmavati of Chittor

and for that, Humayun carried out his sacred brotherly duty and protected her by

opposing his own soldiers.According to ancient traditions, it is customary to

have protection threads that are charged with sacred verses (Mantras) and

sanctified with rice, durva grass etc.; to have these tied by people who know

the Vedas or by near and dear ones. This protection thread saves from sins on

the one hand and removes diseases on the other hand. By tying this thread,

protection is afforded for a full one year and all kinds of fears are

removed.Nowadays Rakhis are decorated with soft silky threads of various

colours, and also with ornaments, pictures, gold and silver threads etc. These

Rakhis enhance the artistry of the people. Within these Rakhis reside sacred

feelings and well wishes. It is also a great

sacred verse of unity. Acting as a symbol of life's advancement and a leading

messenger of togetherness.Each person should celebrate with enthusiasm this

sacred festival of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan. (Raksha = protection. Bandhan =

tie).http://www.saranam.com/Festivals/Rakshabhandan.asp