As many Hindus celebrate Raksha Bandhan today, Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji is calling on men to respect and appreciate their sisters as many times, men are perpetrators of serious crimes.
Media Officer of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Kamlesh Arya says Raksha Bandhan is where sisters seek support from their brothers to protect them in difficult situations and put to them the responsibility of taking care of each other.
When questioned about crimes against women and girls where most of the perpetrators are close male family members including brothers and step-brothers involved in raping their sisters, cousins or stepsisters, Arya says this is very sad and shows lack of respect, values and appreciation.
He says the Sabha has their Sunday programs where they articulate the values, love and care towards the family.
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is where sisters put a tilak or tikka on their brother's forehead, followed by tying a rakhi or holy thread on their brother's wrist and feeding him sweets. The brother then offers a gift to his sister and vows to protect and look after her in every circumstance of life.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the Hindu month of Sawan on a full moon day.
In the Bhagavat Puran and Vishnu Puran, after Vishnu conquers the three worlds from King Bali, King Bali asks Vishnu to live in his palace.
Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu’s wife, is not happy about this arrangement. She ties a rakhi on King Bali making him a brother.
Honoured by the gesture, King Bali grants her a wish. Lakshmi requests that Vishnu return home.
