Hundreds of millions of Hindus celebrate the festival of brotherhood
September 14, 2009 · Print
New Delhi, Aug 5, 2009. - A simple string served today to millions of Indian women to celebrate the festival of "Rakhi", a traditional Hindu ceremony and massive symbolizing the protection of the brothers and relies on new technologies to survive.
Under the "Raksha Bandhan", popularly known as "Rakhi" - girls and women should tie a rope on the wrists of their brothers as a symbol of the fraternal ties and, above all, the duty to protect atavistic male still in force.
"For them, the 'Rakhi' is the mark of love and respect for his brothers. And they in turn, have a duty to protect his sisters life, "said Efe a passer delhi.
With the full moon of the Hindu month of 'Shravana', the Indian fast until tying the string his brothers, who prepare a 'thali' or plate composed of a ceramic lamp, thread, saffron, ointment vermilion, rice grains, sweets and fruits.
After blessing his brothers, the women would put the "bracelet", they make a uñada vermilion on the forehead and offer sweets, while they give gifts and promise to protect them while living. Then sit to the table to break the fast together.
"The 'Raksha Bandhan' reinforces the sanctity of our traditional family ties. It is an opportunity to overcome differences and strengthen the ties of brotherhood, "he said in his congratulatory message the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
In the social tradition of the subcontinent, married women have the obligation to leave home and go to live in the home of the husband's family, so the "Rakhi" offers the possibility of endorsing their union with those left behind.
But in its practical aspect, sister visits a brother pose a challenge to the already congested roads other large cities, each "Rakhi" monumental jams registered vehicles with women dressed in their finery.
In order to avoid or at least alleviate automobile congestion in Delhi, this year the authorities have declared a free public bus service until five in the afternoon for all women.
"I still remember the horrible experience I had last year. I was stuck in traffic for an hour. It was hoped that party and had fewer cars. But the opposite happened, "said the agency IANS Indian computer programmer Shobit Sujoy.
Although the tradition of "Rakhi" is still thriving in the cities, increasing urban migration and abroad have increased family mobility, and with it, the distance between adult siblings, forcing other creative solutions.
"On the occasion of 'Rakhi', many people use our services. Especially the Indian diaspora, who are far away. Your best bet is to make gifts on-line their loved ones, "said Efe by phone Mukesh Bansal, president of e-commerce company "myntra.com".
According to Bansal, in the last three years the purchase of gifts on his website have been "significant jumps" thanks to the advantages of sharing destination versus mailing, slower and more expensive, if not ineffective.
Although "myntra" does not offer products tailored to the party, other portals, such as "Picsquare" which allow the user-in this case, user-customize a "photo-rakhi" to his brothers and send it for only 200 rupees ($ 4).
But traditional merchants are clinging yet these days its crowded stalls, with strings for sale for 10 rupees or children's versions of Superman image that will delight children.
There are entrepreneurs willing adding a touch of luxury in this simple ceremony, such as Surat (west), birthplace of diamonds in India, offering "Rakhi" with these and other gemstones.
And comprehensive authorities such as the state of Punjab (north), who have authorized fraternal visits to all prisons so that prisoners also receive their "Rakhi", according to PTI.
"I have no sisters, but my cousins come. In the end, what it is for the 'Rakhi' is to be with people in your family who otherwise would not see, because everyone is very busy, "says Efe Shreyansh Jain school.
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