Published: 11:28 PM, 27 August 2026
Rakhi Bandhan Symbolizes Value of Interreligious Harmony
The festival of Raksha Bandhan for the year 2026 is scheduled to be observed on August 28. Judging by the current political and social turmoil around this vast nation India as well as in other parts of the globe. The festival seems to be of utmost relevance. The observance of the day of this festival falls on a Purnima Tithi day which will last for three hours and 51 minutes. We sincerely do have feelings that there should be complete peace and calmness. Now in the subsequent paragraph, let me delve deep into my subject.
As per the historical data this writer finds. Raksha Bandhan interprets the bond of protection among people of all religions and languages based in India and other parts of the globe. The origin of the festival is derived from ancient Hindu legends, epics and various other historical events. Now let me narrate the historical background on a mythological footing.
It was in the foreground of the 16th century, Queen Karnavati of Mewar, based in the Indian state of Rajasthan, faced an invasion which was perpetrated by Bahadur Shah. She gifted a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun seeking help. The Emperor Humayun hereby accepted the bond with a Rakhi which paved the way for her aid.
In this regard, another historical anecdote we find from the acts of Rabindranath Tagore subsequently which led to the partition of Bengal. It was in the year 1905, poet Rabindranath Tagore interpreted the festival to protest against the division of undivided Bengal. In the later period, there was another division, when just prior to Indian Independence followed by the division of Independent India into Pakistan and India. I shall discuss the event in a separate column which is also linked deeply with the partition of Bengal in the year 1905, on October 16. In this regard, the role by Rabindranath Tagore seems to be a prolific one.
Now let me evaluate the role of Rabindranath Tagore in Raksha Bandhan. As per the logic behind the observance of Raksha Bandhan is concerned, poet Rabindranath Tagore wished to imbibed people of Hindu, Muslim and Christianity religion under one banner. That is why through Raksha Bandhan, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore wanted to tie up Rakhis in the arms of brothers and sisters. In this regard, there should not be any discrimination as per the views of Gurudev. Rabindranath Tagore had a noble vision tying rakhis on brothers and sisters of both Hindu and Muslim religion as a symbol of peace across the globe. If I trace the root cause behind the celebration of this festival, it is not associated with siblings as well as cousin sisters and brothers. The feeling of oneness extends to all the nook and corners of the globe. As per the views of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, entire citizens of the globe are just like brothers and sisters. We should not have a feeling that there is any discrimination between all of us. Gurudev taught us that we should not have vices on humanity of the globe. Contrarily we should bestow affection and cordiality upon all human beings of the globe.
Very recently, what we witnessed around India and Bangladesh, speaks broadly about expressions of vicious temperament. Which is not desirable as per current social and political trends.
Now let me delve more deeply about Raksha Bandhan. It does not pertain to near and dear ones. Rather tying Rakhis on the arms of Hindu Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters, we wish to extend solidarity and affection not only among close relatives but also among close family friends and relatives.
Thus, feeling of Raksha Bandhan has been divided into two parts,
Extended relationships- This aspect has been further subdivided into three parts,
Cousins and extended family-The festival is widely celebrated among cousins, sisters-in-laws, aunts and nephews.
Friends and neighbours- Many people tie a rakhi on close friends or neighbours who are truly a supportive guide along with rendering protection in their lives.
Public figures and soldiers- Citizen's tie Rakhis to community leaders, police officers or soldiers in the armed forces in order to pay recognition on account of services to the nation.
Historical and cultural meaning-It is further divided into three parts,
The Bond of protection- The feeling of Raksha Bandhan to tie Rakhis on fellow human beings as a symbol of brotherhood and sisterhood.
Historical Examples- Legend and history records figures like Draupadi and Lord Krishna or Queen Karnavati and Emperor Humayun. This indicates protection despite not being closer and cordial relatives.
Community Unity-As per the views of Rabindranath Tagore, Raksha Bandhan has been symbolized as a symbol of solidarity and harmony among cross section of communities of people around the globe.
In order to write about Raksha Bandhan, let me state about books written upon Raksha Bandhan by different authors. The books and names of authors are stated as follow:
Amma tell me about Raksha Bandhan by Bhakti Mathur
My Raksha Bandha promised to protect Priya Kumari and Komal Garg.
Rashee's Rakhi by Sheetal Seth.
Last but not the least, we sincerely cherish that with the passing of each day in our life, communal bonding across India and Bangladesh should remain forever.
Sujayendra Das is a columnist
based in Calcutta, India.
