Raksha Bandhan by P. Sheshadri | Raksha Bandhan Poem by P. Sheshadri | Raksha Bandhan | P. Sheshadri | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Critical Appreciation | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Raksha Bandhan
A piece of silken tassel tipped with gold,
Tied round the hand by loving sister’s hands,
A sacred day in Sravan , when the lands
Are bathed in welcome rain, is said to hold
A potent charm for good. From days of old
This pretty faith has come and happy bands
Of brothers still pay heed to its commands
One day each year. Who will be rashly bold
And flout this festival as void of worth —
An ancient mummery — to which man shows
His slavish piety? Let him, who knows
Of beings more devoted than the fair,
Of wishes purer than a sister’s care,
And stronger powers than woman’s love on earth.
Raksha Bandhan by P Sheshadri Analysis
A piece of silken tassel tipped with gold,
Tied round the hand by loving sister’s hands,
A sacred day in Sravan , when the lands
Are bathed in welcome rain, is said to hold
A potent charm for good. From days of old
This pretty faith has come and happy bands
Of brothers still pay heed to its commands
One day each year.
Reference to Context:
This excerpt is taken from the poem Raksha Bandhan by P. Sheshadri. The poem celebrates the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, which signifies the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. The lines describe the central ritual of the festival, where a sister ties a rakhi (a symbolic thread) on her brother’s wrist, accompanied by blessings and prayers.
Explanation:
“A piece of silken tassel tipped with gold”:
This refers to the rakhi, a decorative thread often embellished with intricate designs, symbolizing love, care, and protection.
“Tied round the hand by loving sister’s hands”:
The act of tying the rakhi by a sister reflects her devotion and blessings for her brother’s well-being.
“A sacred day in Sravan, when the lands are bathed in welcome rain”:
The festival occurs during the month of Shravan (July-August), coinciding with the monsoon season. The rains symbolize prosperity, purity, and the nurturing spirit of nature, adding to the sacredness of the occasion.
“Is said to hold a potent charm for good”:
The tradition is believed to carry a protective and auspicious influence on both the brother and sister, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional significance of the ritual.
“From days of old this pretty faith has come”:
The practice of Raksha Bandhan is rooted in ancient traditions, showcasing its cultural and historical importance.
“Happy bands of brothers still pay heed to its commands one day each year”:
Despite modern changes, the ritual is cherished annually, with brothers honoring their sisters’ love and reciprocating with promises of protection and care.
Poetic Devices:
Imagery: “A piece of silken tassel tipped with gold” creates a vivid picture of the rakhi.
“Lands bathed in welcome rain” evokes sensory imagery of the monsoon season.
Alliteration: “Sacred day in Sravan” and “happy bands of brothers” emphasize the rhythm and mood.
Symbolism: The rakhi symbolizes love, protection, and the sacred bond between siblings.
The rains symbolize renewal and the nurturing spirit of traditions.
Enjambment: The lines flow seamlessly without pause, reflecting the continuous and timeless nature of the tradition.
Personification: “Happy bands of brothers” personifies the siblings’ joyful participation in the tradition.
Who will be rashly bold
And flout this festival as void of worth —
An ancient mummery — to which man shows
His slavish piety? Let him, who knows
Of beings more devoted than the fair,
Of wishes purer than a sister’s care,
And stronger powers than woman’s love on earth.
Reference to Context:
These lines are from the concluding portion of the poem Raksha Bandhan by P. Sheshadri. In this passage, the poet defends the significance and value of the Raksha Bandhan festival. He addresses those who might dismiss the tradition as outdated or meaningless, challenging them to recognize the purity and strength of the bond it celebrates.
Explanation:
“Who will be rashly bold and flout this festival as void of worth”:
The poet questions anyone who dares to dismiss Raksha Bandhan as insignificant, pointing out the emotional depth and cultural value embedded in the tradition.
“An ancient mummery — to which man shows his slavish piety?”:
Critics may see the festival as an outdated or ritualistic practice (“ancient mummery”), but the poet highlights that it is revered for good reason, as it embodies profound human emotions and values.
“Let him, who knows of beings more devoted than the fair”:
The poet challenges skeptics to name anyone more devoted than women (“the fair”), referring to sisters whose love and care are unmatched.
“Of wishes purer than a sister’s care”:
A sister’s prayers and blessings for her brother are seen as the epitome of purity and selflessness.
“And stronger powers than woman’s love on earth”:
The poet asserts that there is no force on earth stronger or more enduring than a woman’s love, particularly the love of a sister for her brother.
Poetic Devices:
Rhetorical Question: “Who will be rashly bold and flout this festival?” engages the reader and emphasizes the absurdity of dismissing such a meaningful tradition.
Irony: Referring to the festival as “ancient mummery” sarcastically underscores how it is wrongly dismissed by some.
Hyperbole: “Stronger powers than woman’s love on earth” amplifies the emotional intensity and reverence for sisterly devotion.
Symbolism: A sister’s care and love symbolize selflessness and emotional purity, while the festival represents enduring family bonds.
