Rakhi is a very popular festival in India. It is celebrated usually in August (last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana). In this small post I am writing about “popular meaning” of rakhi and what thoughts comes to my mind when I think about it.
Observation Context
Every festival (irrespective of which society celebrates it) has a popular meaning. It is quite possible that original intention behind festival may be very different from popular meaning. And if a particular festival is very old , then it is quite possible that popular meaning is very different from original meaning.
This risk is more for old civilization. Over the time original intentions can get modified or completely lost.Unknowingly over many years, society redefines the festival. People keep on doing ceremonies and keep on passing the sugar coated popular meaning.
This popular meaning is passed to younger generation. It silently shapes there thoughts.
Popular Meaning of Raksha bandhan
Popular meaning of rakhi is “Brother promises to protect Sister”, its a bond of protection. All my childhood I was told this meaning.
A famous song in one of old Bollywood movie, goes like this
भैया मेरे, राखी के बंधन को निभाना
भैया मेरे, छोटी बहन को ना भुलाना
देखो ये नाता निभाना, निभाना
भैया मेरे, राखी के बंधन को निभाना
भैया मेरे, छोटी बहन को ना भुलाना
There are stories of brothers doing brave things to protect sisters. Movies are full of emotional scenes where promises of protection are made and heroic acts done to protect because of those promises. All good and comforting.
My Problem with popular meaning of Rakhi
I will keep it short.
First of all let me say it upfront, my objection has nothing to do with gender. FWIW you can swap roles , problem stays there. It is very subtle.
Any society where we need festivals for reminding one person that he/she needs to protect another person, is a society going in wrong direction. In a good society there should not be a need of “protection”. Protection from whom? neighbors, relatives ?
This festival also has a serious side effect.
Ceremonies of festival gives one person a feeling that “he/she can protect other person”. Another feeling comes without invitation. That feeling is “he/she can harm other person”.
It is only straightforward, if one can protect, one can harm. It has long term implications. One side becomes weaker and other become stronger. Popular example in india
No body messes with girl who have 7 brothers, but a girl without brother s is often considered vulnerable.
Society planned for it. Again it has nothing to do with gender. You can swap the roles. Nothings changes.
In my opinion young generation should find this festival insulting. There should be no need of protection.
Whats wrong with protection ?
Nothing.
Protection is good. I try to protect my family and they try to protect me. It come out of instinct. Its the nature of relation. no vows needed.
Protecting other due to instinct is good, but due to promise is bad.
What should be done ?
In my opinion nothing. We should simply stop celebrating it. There is really no need. If there is love.. protection will come out of instinct.
Thanks for reading. I am happy to discuss as long as it civil and talks about popular meaning (not one from scriptures)
