Rakhi is a festival that is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravan according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. On this pious occasion, sisters pour their heart out to say blessings to their brothers in form of Rakhi. In return, brothers promise to protect them from all sorts of evils. But, Rakhi is not just a colorful thread tied on the wrists, it has more serious connotation as this festival of Raksha Bandhan dates back to the historical past with references to the Sikh Gurus, Writers and Muslim Rulers showcasing the bond of protection & love between siblings. Here are some excerpts from the 5 Historical Stories associated with Rakhi -

1.Rabindranath Tagore's Rakhi - At a time when the country was surging into religious intolerance, Tagore considered Rakhi as an idea to spread love, respect, brotherhood and vow for mutual protection between Hindus and Muslims. That is why; it's still now popular among people to tie Rakhi, the sacred thread to the neighbors and close friends in many parts of West Bengal.

2.The Alexander & Puru - As per Old Legends, around 326 BCE When Alexander the Great attacked India, his wife Roxana sent a sacred thread to Porus asking him to spare her husband in the battle. Porus heeded to her request and gave full respect to the Rakhi sent by Roxana. On the battlefield, when Porus confronted Alexander and was about to deliver the final blow to him, he incidentally saw the rakhi on his wrist and restrained himself from attacking Alexander personally.

3.Rani Karnavati and Humayun - As per Old Legends, around 1535 CE, when Rani Karnavati, widowed queen of the King of Chittor, realized that she could not protect her land from invasion by the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a Rakhi to Humayun asking for his help and support. Touched and taken by this gesture, Humayun immediately set off with his troops to defend Chittor. Though he kept his promise, it was too late to arrive. By then, Sultan had already conquered Rani's fortress. To protect her vanity, Karnavati immolated herself into the Rajput custom of Jauhar. Eventually, Humayun evicted Sultan from Chittor and restored Karnavati's son, Vikramjit, to the throne. 

4.Promise for Sikh Protection from Afghan Invaders - In 18th Century when Sikh Khalsa armies introduced the term Rakhi to the farmers they promised them to protect their land from Afghan armies in return of a small portion of their farm procedure. Hence, the myth of Rakhi originally circulated as a bond between group of people to protect each other's well being. This bond eventually culminated into the bond between brothers and sisters, which is known as RakshaBandhan. 

5.Maharani Jindan in Colonial Rule - In 1849, Maharani Jindan, wife of the founder & ruler of the Sikh Empire Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent a Rakhi to the ruler of Nepal, who in return, gave her a refuge in the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal in 1849 after the Sikh territories were conquered by the British. 

After knowing all these stories all one can understand that Rakhi not only does have a legendary history but it is also more than a ritual of tying threads. It's about integrity and keeping promises in times of distress. It's all about protecting sisters from evil intentions. It's about wishing brothers' safety and good health. Let us unite in the age-old tradition of Rakhsa Bandhan and wish luck & well being to all brothers and sisters alike. This Rakhi, wish you happiness all the way.

Author name: Pradita Mitra

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