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| FESTIVALS - RAKSHA BANDHAN |
 The
Indian calendar is one long procession of festivals. These are as varied in origin
as they are large in number. There are innumerable national, regional, local,
religious, seasonal and social festivities. This is not surprising considering
the fact that India is the land of gods, goddesses, saints, gurus and prophets.
In the days when gods warred with the demons, the consort of Indra (the Puranic
King of the Heavens) tied a rakhi (a silken amulet) around his wrist, by virtue
of which, it is said, the god won back his celestial abode from his enemies.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in some parts of India as a festival to honour the
sea god Varuna. However, at most places, it celebrates the love of a brother for
his sister. On this day, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to
protect them against evil influences.
This is also the day set apart for Brahmins to change their sacred thread they
wear. In Bombay, it is an occasion for offering coconuts to the sea.
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