Raksha Bandhan - A festival of love, respect and trust

 The bonding between a brother and a sister is simply unique and is beyond description in words. The relationship between siblings is extraordinary and is given importance in every part of the world. However, when it comes to India, the relationship becomes all the more important as there is a festival called "Raksha Bandhan" dedicated for the sibling love.

This is a special festival which is celebrated in India and other countries like Nepal to symbolize the love between a brother and a sister. The occasion of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravana which typically falls in the August month of Gregorian calendar.

The festival is made up of two words, namely "Raksha" and "Bandhan." As per the Sanskrit terminology, the occasion means "the tie or knot of protection" where "Raksha" stands for the protection and "Bandhan" signifies the verb to tie. Together, the festival symbolizes the eternal love of brother-sister relationship which does not mean just the blood relationships only. 

At a time when the country is witnessing a surge in religious intolerance, an instance from the annals of history serves as a timely reminder of religious harmony. As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan on August 30, 2023,Let me tell you about a beautiful incident from history, more than a century ago, where Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore almost single handedly organized are peaceful revolution using the concept and sentiment behind the festival to unite two communities, Hindus and Muslims. It’s interesting to take cognizance of how he made it possible. 

At that time, Bengal was at its peak of nationalist movement at the dawn of 19th century, which eventually emerged as a formidable threat to the British Raj. To curb this nationalist movement, the Britishers decided to divide Bengal, a move vehemently opposed by various leaders of the time, including Rabindranath Tagore.

Though British authoritarianism described it as some administrative action done for public good, the people knew that it was to plan and divide the country and change the course of the growing Bengali community. It also had the hint of religion to it – they wanted to part Hindus and Muslims.

Tagore used the perception of Raksha Bandhan that time to create hope and spread harmony in the minds of the people. His action was a call to all communities to come together and protect each other. He turned Raksha Bandhan to a movement where Hindus and Muslims tied rakhis on each other’s hand, promising to save each other from the terror of the then government and separation.

To upkeep the spirit of this festival, our school organised a workshop on making Rakhi under the guidance of Smt Koyel Dutta, Art and Craft Teacher and patronage of Principal-inCharge Smt. Kakali Das. 

Here are few snaps of the workshop. 

𝕎𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕒 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕜𝕤𝕙𝕒 𝔹𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕙𝕒𝕟.