Allahabad, Aug 29 (ANI): A day for brothers and sisters, a day when brother vows to protect her sister, a day that knows no religious or physical boundaries. That’s the charm of Rakha Bandhan which was recently celebrated in India and other countries like Nepal and parts of Pakistan. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the love and duties shared between brothers and sisters. The uniqueness of the festival is that it is not attached to any particular religion and people belonging to different faiths celebrate this day with much fervor. Various examples of intermingling of different religions was seen throughout the country on this day. One such instance of brotherhood was seen in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh where Muslim girls tied Rakhi on the wrists of their Hindu brothers. In return, Hindu brothers vowed to protect them against any odds, thus, depicting a perfect example of communal harmony in the country. The organizers of the event were happy to see participation by large number of people who had attended the gathering to promote peace and brotherhood. The multicultural aspects of Raksha Bandhan can be witnessed in instances dating back thousands of years. In the epic Mahabharat, Draupadi tied a Rakhi to Lord Krishna. Even Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore invoked Raksha Bandhan and Rakhi as concepts to inspire love, respect and a vow of mutual protection between Hindus and Muslims during India's colonial era. One of Tagore's poems invoking Rakhi is The love in my body and heart For the earth's shadow and light Has stayed over years. With its cares and its hope it has thrown A language of its own Into blue skies. It lives in my joys and glooms In the spring night's buds and blooms Like a Rakhi-band On the Future's hand. It is this historical and cultural significance that brings together people from different faiths on this auspicious day. A similar picture emerged from Allahabad where Hindu girls tied Rakhi to Hindu brothers. Muslim brothers vowed to protect their Hindu sisters and prayed for the well being of the country, laying emphasis on mutual brotherhood and respect for other religions. India is a place where the festivals and fairs not only promote cultural harmony but they hold a unique place in upholding the sacred thread of peace and brotherhood among different religions.
