Celebrating Rakhi: Show Care for Children by Serving Meals

Raksha Bandhan is a Sanskrit word that means ‘the bond of protection, obligation or care’. The day to honour siblings, that one special kinship which is bonded by love, mutual respect and understanding, a source of comfort throughout the different stages of life. Like superheroes, siblings always stand by to protect each other in times of hardship and celebrate joyful moments together.
Raksha Bandhan – A Festival of Siblinghood

This is a major festival in India celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shravana. On this day, sisters tie rakhi (bracelet) to their brothers’ wrists as a mark of their love and honour. This custom is a kind of promise to protect each other in all kinds of difficulties. This tradition is not bound to blood relation. It can be tied to anyone with whom we share a strong bond of affection and trust.

Mythological Significance
Many stories revolve around this festival. The popular one is associated with Lord Krishna. According to one version of the Mahabharata, on a beautiful day of Sankranti, Lord Krishna injured his finger while cutting sugarcane. In another version, it says, when Krishna held the Sudarshan Chakra to kill his nephew, Shishupala, he slit his finger and started bleeding. Both versions end with Draupadi tearing a piece of her saree and bandaging it to stop the bleeding. Touched by this kind gesture, Krishna took an oath to protect Draupadi in times of trouble.

True to his word, when Draupadi was dragged into the Kaurava court, while she was in her season, nobody in the assembly came forward for her support but Lord Krishna. When Dussasana starts pulling off her saree, Lord Krishna intervenes and covers her with an unending cloth, protecting her from the disgrace.

How do people celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

For many families, this day is a celebration of togetherness. It serves as a gentle reminder that in life’s struggles, you won’t walk alone. Your sibling will be there for you, giving guidance and support. It is a pure moment of hope and happiness to have your blood on your side, encouraging you to go ahead over the hurdles.
The celebration differs from region to region. However, here are some common practices that follow everywhere:
• Buying Rakhi
During this festival, sisters buy beautiful, colourful rakhis for their brothers.
• Rakhi rituals
On this day, siblings gather together and perform rituals in front of their parents and other elderly people in the house. This includes sisters lighting an earthen lamp, which symbolises the god of fire and performing aarti to their brothers. After that, they apply tilak on their forehead and pray for their health and well-being. They also give sweets to each other and the sister ties the rakhi around their brother’s wrist.
• Brother gives rakhi gifts
Once the rakhi is tied, the brother offers special gifts to their sister and takes a vow to take care of her.
Right to Nutrition – A Societal Rakhi

Just like how siblings make a promise on Raksha Bandhan to take care of each other, so society should pledge to protect everyone’s right to nutrition. The Government of India’s PM POSHAN (The Mid-Day Meal Programme) is a step in that direction. It provides nutritional mid-day meals to children in

government and government-aided schools and protect their right to education. There are many NGOs in India, like The Akshaya Patra Foundation, that work to supplement the government’s efforts to address the nutritional needs of children. To reach every child in India with nutritious meals, it is crucial for all of us to come together and support this cause.

Uphold the Values of Rakhi
This Raksha Bandhan, let’s embody the spirit of Rakhi, not just within families but also in society. Ensuring everyone’s Right to Nutrition is not a charitable act but a way of paying respect to every individual’s fundamental right.
Just as siblings play a vital role in the well-being of a family, let’s support children with nutrition and work for their collective well-being of future.
Celebrate with a kind act. Donate mid-day meals to honour siblings