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Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival is primarily observed by the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which is a minority religious group in the predominantly Muslim country.
The history of Raksha Bandhan dates back to ancient Hindu scriptures and has several mythological stories associated with it. The most common narrative revolves around Lord Krishna and Draupadi, where Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on Krishna's wrist when he was hurt, which led him to promise his protection to her.
On Raksha Bandhan day, sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists as a symbol of their love and prayers for their brothers' well-being. In return, brothers pledge to protect their sisters from harm. This ritual strengthens the bond between siblings and extends beyond biological relationships to celebrate any brotherly-sisterly relationship.
In Bangladesh, celebrations are similar to those in India but on a smaller scale due to the smaller Hindu population:
Preparation: Shops display colorful rakhis leading up to the festival. Sisters shop for rakhis that range from simple threads to elaborate designs.
Rituals: On the day of Raksha Bandhan, siblings dress up for the occasion. Sisters prepare thalis with diya (lamp), roli (red powder), rice grains (for tilak), sweets, and rakhis.
Ceremony: The sister performs an aarti (waving of lamp) for her brother, applies tilak on his forehead, ties the rakhi on his wrist, and offers him sweets. The brother gives her gifts or money as a token of his commitment.
Feasting: Families prepare special meals and enjoy festive dishes together.
While it is not a public holiday in Bangladesh, those who observe Raksha Bandhan do so with much devotion within their homes or at gatherings organized by community groups or temples. Since it's based on the lunar calendar, the date varies each year but generally falls in August.