Raksha Bandhan a symbol of Hindu – Muslim unity
In 1535 India was ruled by Humanyun, the second Mughal emperor. At the same time Rani Karnavati was ruling from Chittor. After becoming widow, she became the reagent of her minor son. There were many rulers who wanted to take an advantage of this situation. One of them was Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, who started marching towards Chittor. The army of Rani Karnavati was not strong enough to face the threats from Gujarat.
She send a Rakhi to Humanyun, asking him to help her. It is said that he immediately marched to Chittor to help Rani. Due to his presence, Bhahadur Shah went back to Gujarat empty handed. Although, they both belonged to different communities but this thread tied them in the bond of trust.
Raksha Bandhan a symbol of Hindu – Muslim unity
Partition of Bengal
In 1905, the partition of Bengal was declared by the mighty British Empire. Unfortunately, they divided the Bengal into Hindu and Muslim majority. The people of both the regions revolted against the decision of the British. And to show the unity among Hindus and Muslims, they tied Rakhi and promised that they will also protect each other no matter what. This bond not only created unity among Hindus and Muslims but also compelled the British to revoke their decision. In 1911, the British unified Bengal.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in India from time immemorial. Raksha Bandhan in Sanskrit means “knot of protection”. The word Raksha means protection, while Bandhan is to tie the knot. It is an ancient Hindu festival that celebrates the love and duty between brothers and their sisters.The sister performs a Rakhi ceremony, prays to express her love and her wish for the well being of her brother. In return, the brother ritually pledges to protect and take care of his sister under all circumstances. It is one of the several occasions in which family ties are affirmed in India. There are different stories like that of Indra Dev, Raja Bali and Goddess Laxmi, Santoshi maa, Krishna – Drapadi, and Yama- Yamuna. All of the stories mentions about the trust, unity, understanding, responsibility, love and affection.
Raksha Bandhan a symbol of Hindu – Muslim unity
