Families in Bradford will be able to mark the Hindu and Jain festival of Raksha Bandhan without Covid-19 restrictions this weekend. The festival this year falls on Sunday, August 22.
The annual religious festival, which is also marked by some Sikhs, commemorates the bond between brothers and sisters through voluntary kin relations where observers of the tradition honour their non-blood-related siblings as family. The festival, which is now celebrated all over the world, originates from Northern India around 6000 years ago.
Concluding Bradford South Asian History Month (BSAHM), the annual month-long celebration of South Asian heritage and culture organisers are putting on an event that will recognise sibling bonds and give thanks to Covid-19 frontline workers.
Ahead of the festival on Sunday, BSAHM are inviting people to get involved by joining a community Rakhi, a bracelet-tying get together in City Park, Bradford, tomorrow Saturday 21 August, at 3pm with the meeting point under the big screen in City Park.
Kajal Patel is from the Bradford Hindu Sevika Samiti, a women’s organisation that promotes the universal Hindu values of unity and community. Ms Patel says: “The Hindu tradition values the idea of ‘the whole world is one family’. Many know Raksha Bandhan as the festival where sisters tie a Rakhi as a symbol of protection, but Raksha Bandhan is so much more than that.
“The word itself means the bond of protection – but protection not only about our immediate siblings, but to everyone who serves, nurtures and cares for us.
“The festival reminds us of the need to care for one another. And during these unprecedented times, the value of community spirit has proved to be necessary more than ever.
“So Raksha Bandhan is where we come together as one united family to show our gratitude to those who have contributed their services, including those from the NHS, the fire service, the police and all the other frontline staff.”
According to the Hindu Calendar, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon of the Savan month. The Savan month is considered an auspicious period among Hindus and Lord Shiva is worshipped every Monday this entire time. This year, August 22 is the last day of the Savan month.
On this day, sisters tie Rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to protect them against evil influences and pray for their long life and happiness. A Rakhi is similar to a friendship bracelet, but it’s more ornate and within them, reside sacred feelings and well wishes. In return, brothers give a gift which is a promise that they will protect their sisters from any harm.
The history of Raksha Bandhan dates back to Hindu mythology. As per Hindu mythology, in Mahabharata, the great Indian epic, Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas had torn the corner of her sari to prevent Lord Krishna’s wrist from bleeding as he had inadvertently hurt himself. Thus, a bond between brother and sister developed between them, and he promised to protect her.
It is also a great sacred verse of unity, acting as a symbol of life’s advancement and a leading messenger of togetherness. Raksha means protection, and in some places in medieval India, where women felt unsafe, they tie Rakhi on the wrist of men, regarding them as brothers.
In this way, Rakhi strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters and revives the emotional bonding. Brahmins change their sacred thread (janoi) on this day and dedicate themselves once again to the study of the scriptures.
Raksha Bandhan is traditionally celebrated by visiting family. Although the festival traditionally celebrated brothers and sisters, some siblings also mark the occasion together regardless of gender.
In Hindu culture, cousins are also considered brothers and sisters, so Raksha Bandhan often involves visiting between numerous households and close contact.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: ”On behalf of Bradford Council I would like to wish all everyone celebrating on Sunday a very happy Raksha Bandhan.
“I am delighted that the Hindu community will be able to celebrate the festival this year with friends and family but do ask that we should still take caution because of COVID-19. Let fresh air into the room, keep washing hands and if you have any symptoms please stay at home to help stop the virus from spreading further.”
Last year, due to the lockdown, families had to celebrate within their own households. Many families chose to send Rakhis in the post instead, which is commonly done for family members who live abroad.
Now that the lockdown has lifted, Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated without restrictions.
