ரக்க்ஷாபந்தன் வாழ்த்துக்கள்!

அனைவருக்கும் ரக்க்ஷாபந்தன் வாழ்த்துக்கள்!

A very happy Rakshabandhan to all.

Though its not in Tamil tradition, we have been celebrating this festival for years now in the family and also in the neighbourhood.

Its such a wonderful celebration of love and brotherhood, that brings all sections of the society together. This is one festival that reminds us the timesless Hindu message of universal brotherhood and "Vasudhaiva kutumbakam" (one world family) that echoed itself in the expression of "Sisters and brothers of America..." of Vivekananda in 1893.

Its an ancient festival that is mentioned in the Epics and Puranas. Indrani tied the 'rakhsa' around Indra's wrist to give him strength in his fight against Asuras. Noble king Mahabali is supposed to have observed the Vrata of Rakhsabandhan. In the Mahabharata, Sri Krishna advises Yudhishtira to observe this vow of Raksha that unites and protects all citizens of his kingdom.

There is a medieval legend in which a Rajput princess of a small principality sends a Rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun with a plea to save her kingdom from the invading Gujart Sultan. This moves the heart of Humayun (who himself was an oppressive ruler) and he rushes to save his Rakhi sister, abandoning his war in Bengal.. But before he could reach, the Rajput principality falls and all that Humayun gets to see was the ashes of the princess, who had immolated herself in an act of "Jauhar" to save her honour.

मा भ्राता भ्रातरं द्विक्षन्
मा स्वसारमुत स्वसा
सम्यंच सव्रता भूत्वा
वाचं वदत‌ भद्रया

May brothers and sisters not hate one another
May you all take the blessed vow (vrata) of unity and speak words of togetherness and benediction
- Atharva Veda, 3.30.3

See this inspiring news -

J&K: Schoolgirls tie rakhis to jawans
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070024144