Bond so strong – Happy Rakshabandhan!

By Ritu Ghai

“Bhaiya Mere Rakhi Ke Bandhan Ko Nibhaana”, the classic song from Chhoti Behan can still evoke the strongest emotions amongst listeners. Other Bollywood numbers such as “Meri Pyaari behaniya banegi dulhaniya” and “Abhi Mujhme Kahi” by Sonu Nigam for Agneepath can bring a tear or two in our eyes. These emotions define the sacred bond shared by brothers and sisters. Over the years the emotions have remained the same but the situation has changed for many. No longer are families living in a joint household setup. some have moved overseas and distance has become a restraint in celebrating the day virtually.

But drop the tear and bring a cheer as Rakha Bandhan is round the corner and siblings are all geared to journey into the alleyways of their growing up years by gathering to meet each other and make the day even more special.

Despite the scorching weather conditions, people are lined up in markets and malls to buy rakhis, gift hampers and precious items for their siblings. As the day comes closer, the excitement among people plummets and emotions take tangible dimensions.  The variety of rakhis in the market is unlimited. From Gold, silver rakhis to eco friendly rakhi, cartoon rakhi, lumba rakhi and much more.  

Back to the Future…

Tracing the roots of Rakshbandhan, ancient scriptures chronicle the legacy of this bond and sensitize generations to their shared heritage. In Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, when Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from the demon King Bali, he was asked by the demon king to stay with him in the palace. But Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu wanted to return back. She tied a Rakhi around the wrist of demon king, Bali and made him a brother. When asked about the return gift, Goddess Lakshmi asked Bali to free her husband from the vow and let him return to Vaikuntha. Bali agreed and Lord Vishnu returned to his palace with his wife, Goddess Lakshmi.

Based on Mahabharat, Draupadi, wife of Pandavas tied a rakhi to Lord Krishna while Kunti tied the rakhi to grandson Abhimanyu before the epic war.

There are many more ancient myths related to the significance and emergence of this festival. But who needs a reason to celebrate this bond.

Celebrity Bond…

Renowned Obesity, Advanced Metabolic & Functional Medicine Specialist, Dr Anjali Hooda Sangwan looks forward to spending the day with her brothers, Sandeep Hooda and famous Bollywood actor, Randeep Hooda, “Rakshabandhan for me is about love and support of siblings towards each other. Blood is thicker than water always. And whether I support my brothers or they support me it’s the same except that I tie the rakhi. I think both, sisters and brothers should tie rakhi to pledge support and love for each other”.

Reputed actress and reel sister of Late Rishi Kapoor in Sharmaji Namkeen, Anjuman Saxena talks about her endearing relationship with real brother, Manish Kusumwal. “Rakhi for me is more than just a thread. It’s a feeling of love. Sadly, today its become more about gifts and companies selling it like an event. In my life, I have not been able to regularly tie Rakhi to my brother, owing to our stay in different cities. But just taking out time to talk to each other on that particular day is looked forward to”, says Anjuman, known for roles in Nikamma, Batla House, Hello Mini, Hichki, TV series on star plus – Nisha aur uske cousins etc.  

Other famous brother sister duo with star power running in their genes are

Sanjay Dutt and Priya Dutt, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Aktar, Saif Ali and Soha Ali, Ekta Kapoor and Tushaar Kapoor, Farah Khan and Sajid Khan, media stalwarts Nalini Singh and her brothers, Arun Shourie and Deepak Shourie, political sibling duoRahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra and many more.

As sister ties the rakhi around the wrist of her brother and prays for his health, prosperity and well-being, the brother offers gifts and promises to protect her from any harm. This occasion celebrates the brother-sister ties, even if they are not biologically related.

This unrivalled bond is clearly strong and filled with fights and differences that makes the relationship complete.

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