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Designer
Raakhis Add Colour NEW DELHI: Designer raakhis marked this year's celebration of 'Rakshabandhan' in north India on Thursday, August 22. 'Rakshabandhan' falls on a full moon day every year. Although a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by members of other communities as well.
During the Mughal period, 'Raksha Bandhan' was celebrated in the royal household. For example, when the children of emperor Shahjahan wanted to celebrate the Hindu festival, nobody objected. Princesses Jahanara and Roshanara used to tie the band (raakhi) on the wrists of Aurangzeb, Dara Shikoh, Murad - their brothers - on the day. The two sisters also used to give away and receive precious gifts of jewellery as token of this sacred bond. Raakhis are sacred threads tied by sisters on their brothers' wrists as a token of love wishing them prosperity and happiness. The brothers on their part pledge to protect their honour. Raakhis are usually made of tinsel, colourful cotton, silk, gold or silver twisted threads, but over the years rakhis have become more trendy. " Now there are designer raakhis available in the market. It feels good to buy such rakhis. Earlier we used to get only simple thread and tie it on our brother's wrist," said Hema, shopping in the Capital's busy Lajpat Nagar market. While the looks of rakhis have changed, the spirit of the festival remains. "I feel it is a very special way to say to your brother that we care and we love you. I definitely feel that it is celebrated the way people used to celebrate it earlier," said Manmeet Ahuja, who bought rakhis for her brother living in another town. The origin of this festival dates back to mythological times. However, it seems to have gained a secular colour when an upper caste Hindu queen, Rani Roopmati, in time of war, sent a thread to Muslim ruler Jehangir, requesting for protection from the enemy. King Jehangir accepted the thread and honoured her request. Since then, the tradition continues in most north Indian families. -ANI -India Overseas |
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