Image Caption: An illustration of the animated characters Chhota Bheem and Chutki celebrating Raksha Bandhan. Chutki smiles as she ties a colorful rakhi around Bheem’s wrist, while Bheem smiles back. Both are seated outdoors in a warm, cheerful setting.
Every Raksha Bandhan, thousands of students hide in their rooms. Their biggest fear: Their crush. Because nothing says “romantic potential” quite like being mistaken for a sibling.
For the uninitiated, Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Traditionally, a sister ties a rakhi (a sacred thread) around her brother’s wrist. The word rakhi comes from Raksha Sutra, meaning “protection string.” Traditionally, the thread is placed near a prayer fire, where it absorbs positive energy and prayers for protection. Once tied, it is believed to invoke the combined protective forces of Kali and Vishnu. At its heart, the rakhi is a promise of protection between loved ones. The sister’s gesture acknowledges the protection she receives and promises reciprocal protection. In return, the brother promises to protect his sister and gives his sister a gift of her liking.
I've always questioned the gendered direction of Raksha Bandhan. They say on the mortal plane men protect women, but in the spiritual realm only women can protect men. I call BS. My sister and I celebrate every year. My younger cousins, male and female, send me rakhis. Everyone in my family agrees that if there’s a problem, my cousins should run to me. Apparently, I’m the family’s designated protector, and I take the job seriously.
The tradition is sweet, wholesome, and deeply unthreatening. Unless, of course, the person tying the rakhi is your crush.
For the romantics, Raksha Bandhan has evolved into something far more complicated: a yearly social survival challenge. But here is the good news: Scientifically, the Raksha Sutra is medically advantageous. It helps prevent and detect cardiovascular problems and Median nerve degradation. So, if your crush sends you a rakhi this year, don’t take it personally. Take it as a sign that they want to keep you alive.
Trust me. I tied one to my crush in grade school. He’s still alive.
Authored by Mahika Bagri