An opportunity to bring healing to strains in relationship

Aug 18, 2008 Letters

Dear Editor,
The popular Guyanese festival of Rakhi was observed in New York City on Saturday and Sunday. It was also observed among the large Guyanese population in Trinidad. Rakhi is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding among kin folks by tying a holy thread around the wrist of one’s brother. This thread, which comes with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is called the ‘rakhi’.

The bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions.
The tying of the rakhi not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. It is celebrated among people who are not related, and even non-Hindus observe the festival.

The message is for the individual who receives the rakhi to accept the female as a brother would, with all the love and affection, and to tighten their relationship. There is no doubt Hindu rituals like Rakhi help to ease out tensions in society and open up channels of communication among people who despise each other. It gives them an opportunity to bring healing to strains in relationship.

By accepting a rakhi from a sister, a brother gladly takes on the responsibility of protecting his sister. In Guyana and Trinidad, the relationship is not only among blood relatives. Cousins and neighbours tie the rakhi.

African women also tie rakhi on Indian men. Muslims tie rakhi on Hindus. In some villages, Africans are influenced by the festival, with women folks tying rakhis on their blood relatives as well. The custom of celebrating Rakhi with grace goes a long way in strengthening brother-sister relationship and building stronger family ties, as well as promoting harmonious relationships among different ethnic groups.

When a rakhi is tied on the wrist of a close friend or neighbour, it underscores the need for a harmonious society, where all individuals co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters. All members of the community commit to protecting one another.

The symbolism of rakhi is the strong must protect the weak. In this way, people look out for each other, and offer protection from bandits and the kind of massacres that occurred. Years ago, non-Hindus, Africans in particular, observed Raksha bandhan with Indians.

It is hoped that the love and understanding that once existed among Indians and Africans will survive the hatred that is being perpetrated by some elements of society, which are bent on dividing them. Let rakhi promote racial healing.

Vishnu Bisram