The Progressive Legacy of Rakhi: Symbolism, Songs and Tagore’s Vision
Rakhi, or Raksha Bandhan, is a festival rich with cultural significance, often celebrated as a day to honor the bond between siblings. However, its symbolism extends far beyond the familial, touching upon the broader themes of unity, protection, and resistance. Throughout history, Rakhi has been invoked in various contexts to symbolize not just the bond between siblings but also the unity between communities, and even the protection of nations. Among these, Rabindranath Tagore’s use of Rakhi stands out as a powerful example of how the festival was adapted to serve a higher, national cause.
The Most Famous Historical Examples of Rakhi
Throughout history, Rakhi has been more than just a ritual of familial love—it has also served as a powerful symbol of peace and diplomacy in moments that could have easily descended into conflict. These historical anecdotes show how the simple act of tying a Rakhi has been used to forge bonds of protection and mutual respect, often in the face of potential war. In different contexts, and in many mediums, these stories highlight how Rakhi has been a tool for establishing and committing to peace, turning moments of potential violence into opportunities for unity and protection.
Krishna and Draupadi: In this Rakhi story Draupadi tears a strip of her sari to bandage a wound on Krishna's wrist after he injures himself while handling sugarcane. Touched by her gesture, Krishna vows to protect her, considering the cloth as a Rakhi. This bond of protection is later fulfilled during the infamous incident in the Mahabharata when Krishna miraculously extends Draupadi's sari to protect her dignity in the Kaurava court.
Image from BR Chopra's Mahabharat
Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun: One of the most well-known stories associated with Rakhi is that of Rani Karnavati of Mewar and the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Facing the threat of invasion from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, Rani Karnavati sent a Rakhi to Humayun, seeking his protection. Despite the political complexities of the time, Humayun was moved by the gesture and responded by setting out to defend Mewar, although he arrived too late to prevent the fall of the kingdom. This story highlights Rakhi's role as a symbol of protection that transcends political and religious boundaries.
Alexander the Great and King Porus: Another early example is tied to the time of Alexander the Great's invasion of India. According to legend, Alexander’s wife Roxana sent a Rakhi to King Porus, asking him not to harm her husband in battle. Porus honored her request, and during their encounter on the battlefield, he refrained from killing Alexander. This story, though more myth than history, reflects the power of Rakhi as a symbol of protection and respect that can influence even the outcomes of war.
Maharani Jijabai and Shivaji: The mother of the Maratha ruler Shivaji, Maharani Jijabai, is said to have tied a Rakhi on his wrist before he embarked on his mission to establish Swaraj (self-rule). This Rakhi symbolized her blessings and protection, as well as her encouragement for Shivaji to fulfill his duty towards his people and his country.
These stories illustrate how Rakhi has been used historically to forge bonds of protection, respect, and duty, often crossing the boundaries of politics, religion, and even the battlefield. And the role that actual storytelling of such elevated and admirable moments, builds them into the imagination of how conflict can be resolved. However, it was during the early 20th century that Rakhi took on a new, more explicitly political dimension in the hands of Rabindranath Tagore.
Tagore’s Vision: Rakhi as a Symbol of National Unity
In the early 20th century, as India struggled against British colonial rule, the country was facing not just political oppression but also social divisions, particularly between Hindus and Muslims. The British colonial strategy of "divide and rule" exacerbated these communal tensions, which were further inflamed by the announcement of the partition of Bengal in 1905. This partition, ostensibly for administrative convenience, was a clear attempt by the British to weaken the burgeoning nationalist movement by pitting communities against each other.
Rabindranath Tagore’s Hindu -Muslim unity Raksha Bandhan initiative in progress in Calcutta, 1909 Source:openthemagazine.com
Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Laureate and a towering figure in Indian literature and thought, recognized the danger posed by such divisions. He sought a way to counteract the colonial strategy by fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood among the people of Bengal, irrespective of their religious identities. Tagore chose Rakhi as the means to achieve this.
Tagore encouraged the people of Bengal—both Hindus and Muslims—to tie Rakhis on each other’s wrists, symbolizing their commitment to protect one another and stand united against the divisive forces of colonialism. This act of tying a Rakhi was no longer just a ritual of familial protection but a political statement of communal harmony and resistance against the British Raj.
On the day of Raksha Bandhan in 1905, Tagore himself led processions through the streets of Kolkata, urging Hindus and Muslims to tie Rakhis to each other. This gesture was both symbolic and practical, serving to remind people of their shared bonds and their collective strength in the face of oppression. It was a powerful expression of unity at a time when the British were attempting to sow discord among communities to maintain their control over India.
Tagore’s use of Rakhi in this context exemplified his broader philosophy of universal brotherhood and the importance of social harmony. He saw Rakhi as a way to transcend religious and communal differences, reinforcing the idea that India's strength lay in its diversity and its ability to unite across these differences. This was not just an idealistic vision but a pragmatic approach to nation-building in a country as diverse as India.
Tagore’s use of Rakhi as a tool for social and political unity during the independence struggle remains a powerful example of how cultural traditions can be repurposed to serve broader societal goals. Today, as India and the world continue to grapple with issues of communalism, nationalism, and social division, the progressive legacy of Rakhi is more relevant than ever. It reminds us that the true strength of any society lies in its ability to foster unity and protect the bonds that hold its people together.
Rakhi in Indian Popular Cinema: Then and Now
Rakhi’s cultural significance is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian society, and this is reflected in its prominent portrayal in Indian popular cinema. Bollywood, in particular, has long embraced Rakhi as a powerful narrative tool, using it to explore themes of family, duty, and sacrifice. From classic films to contemporary blockbusters, Rakhi has been featured in numerous emotional and dramatic scenes that resonate with audiences across generations.
One of the most iconic representations of Rakhi in Indian cinema is found in the film Bandini (1963), where the Rakhi symbolizes the profound bond between a brother and sister, set against the backdrop of a newly independent India grappling with its emerging identity. The film uses the Rakhi as a metaphor for the sacrifices required in the post-colonial context, reflecting the personal and societal challenges faced by a generation raised in the shadow of independence. Similarly, in Chhoti Bahen (1959), the Rakhi thread is imbued with deep symbolic meaning, highlighting the brother's unwavering commitment to his visually impaired sister. This narrative serves as a broader allegory for the protective responsibilities and moral duties expected of citizens in a nascent nation-state. Both films subtly engage with the broader discourse of nation-building, where the familial sacrifices and commitments depicted through the Rakhi resonate with the larger societal demands for unity, solidarity, and shared sacrifice as India sought to define itself in the wake of British rule. The cinematic use of Rakhi in these narratives not only reinforces traditional familial values (with implications both progressive and conervative) but also echoes the evolving cultural ethos of an India navigating its newfound freedom and of the first generations of Indian citizens sorting their way through the complex responsibilities that coe with this new reality.
In more recent years, films like Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) and Baghban (2003) have continued to use Rakhi as a potent cinematic metaphor for conflict resolution, not just within the family unit but as a symbolic microcosm for broader societal tensions across gender, community, and power divides. These films explore the dynamics of familial unity and support as narrative devices that reflect deeper cultural anxieties and aspirations. The act of siblings reaffirming their bonds on screen becomes an allegory for the potential of societal reconciliation, where the intimate resolution of domestic conflicts serves as a model for addressing and bridging divides in the larger social fabric. Through these depictions, Rakhi is elevated beyond a familial ritual to a broader symbol of unity and the possibility of harmonious coexistence in a diverse and complex society.
Modern Progressive Takes on Rakhi
In contemporary times, Rakhi has continued to evolve, with new interpretations and practices that challenge traditional norms and reflect the changing dynamics of society. These modern takes on Rakhi often emphasize inclusivity, environmental consciousness, and social justice, expanding the festival’s significance beyond the confines of familial relationships.
The practice of sisters tying Rakhis to their sisters has gained popularity recently, symbolizing mutual protection and moving away from the traditional expectation that only brothers can be protectors. This shift reflects a broader challenge to gender roles and is part of a growing movement towards equality and empowerment within family structures.
Rakhi has also been used as a symbol of solidarity in broader social movements. A notable example is the campaign by women in various parts of India who tied Rakhis to police officers and soldiers as a gesture of peace and non-violence during protests and communal tensions. It has been used in similar context by schoolchildren tying rakhi with police, or even police tying them to traffic violators in response for a pledge to follow the rules of the road. While not uncontroversial, these kind of inflections of the tradition reimagine Rakhi as a tool for fostering peace and dialogue between communities and authorities, rather than merely a familial bond.
Another significant modern interpretation is the environmental twist on Rakhi. In various green movements across India, people have begun tying Rakhis to trees and environmental landmarks as a pledge to protect nature. This practice underscores Rakhi’s adaptability and its relevance in addressing contemporary issues like environmental conservation.
These modern takes on Rakhi reflect a more inclusive and egalitarian approach, acknowledging that the festival’s earliest stories often leaned heavily on the gender and power structures of their time. Traditionally, brothers were seen as protectors, and sisters as the ones needing protection—a dynamic that mirrored the patriarchal society of the time. However, as our understanding of gender roles and societal responsibilities has evolved, so too has the interpretation of Rakhi. Today, it has transformed for many into a celebration of mutual respect, protection, and shared responsibility, regardless of gender.
By reimagining Rakhi in this way, we continue the work of figures like Rabindranath Tagore, who saw the potential in this simple thread to bring people together, bridge divides, and stand up for justice and unity. In modern times, Rakhi serves as a powerful reminder that protection, respect, and unity are universal values, not bound by traditional roles or relationships.