Raksha Bandhan by P Sheshadri Summary
“Raksha Bandhan” by P. Sheshadri is featured in The Golden Treasury of Indo-Anglian Poetry (1828-1965), edited by V.K. Gokak.
The poem Raksha Bandhan by P. Sheshadri celebrates the traditional Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, which honors the bond between brothers and sisters. The poet describes the central symbol of the festival, the rakhi, a decorative thread tied by a sister on her brother’s wrist as a gesture of love, care, and protection. This simple act is rich in meaning and has been passed down through generations as a sacred tradition.
The poet sets the scene during the month of Shravan, a time of monsoon rains, which is symbolic of renewal and prosperity. Raksha Bandhan is portrayed as a day of joy and togetherness when families come together to honor this special bond. The ritual is depicted as more than just a custom—it carries a “potent charm for good” and represents the enduring power of familial love.
Sheshadri challenges those who might dismiss the festival as outdated or meaningless. He questions their cynicism by pointing out the unmatched devotion of a sister’s love, the purity of her wishes, and the strength of her care for her brother. Through this, the poet emphasizes the timeless value of such traditions, which provide a deeper emotional and cultural connection in an ever-changing world.
In essence, the poem is a tribute to the festival’s beauty and significance. It highlights the selflessness and strength of a sister’s love, the protective bond of a brother, and the role of traditions in preserving these relationships. The poet invites us to see the deeper meaning behind this celebration and cherish the emotional ties that it strengthens, reminding us that such bonds and traditions are invaluable and irreplaceable.
Key Points
1. Author
P. Sheshadri is an Indo-Anglian poet known for his reflective and culturally rich works.
His poetry often celebrates Indian traditions and values, blending lyrical beauty with emotional depth.
2. Form (Rhyme Scheme)
The poem is a sonnet, consisting of 14 lines.
It follows a Petrarchan rhyme scheme: ABBA ABBA CDD EEC.
The structured form emphasizes the universality and timelessness of the theme.
3. Speaker
The speaker is likely the poet himself, acting as a defender of cultural traditions and familial bonds.
He challenges skeptics of Raksha Bandhan, offering a heartfelt argument for its worth.
4. Setting
The poem is set during the Shravan month, coinciding with the monsoon season.
The imagery of “lands bathed in welcome rain” evokes a lush and auspicious atmosphere.
The setting reinforces the sacred and festive mood of Raksha Bandhan.
5. Theme
Sibling Bond: The love and protection shared between siblings.
Tradition and Faith: The poem highlights the cultural and emotional significance of Raksha Bandhan.
Strength of Women’s Love: Celebrates the selfless devotion and purity of a sister’s care.
Defense of Tradition: Critiques those who dismiss the festival as outdated or insignificant.
6. Plot
The poem begins with a vivid description of the Raksha Bandhan ritual, focusing on the act of tying the rakhi.
It emphasizes the festival’s deep cultural roots and significance.
The poet defends the value of the tradition against skeptics, arguing for the unmatched strength of sisterly love.
7. Tone
The tone is reverent and celebratory, reflecting admiration for the festival and familial bonds.
It becomes challenging and defensive when addressing critics of the tradition.
8. Style
Descriptive and Evocative: Rich imagery of the rakhi and monsoon setting creates a vivid atmosphere.
Argumentative: The poet uses rhetorical questions and logical appeals to defend the festival.
Lyricism: The rhythmic flow and alliteration enhance the musicality of the poem.
9. Message
The poem conveys the importance of preserving cultural traditions like Raksha Bandhan.
It highlights the unique and irreplaceable bond between siblings, rooted in love, care, and protection.
The poet emphasizes that such traditions carry deep emotional and spiritual value, transcending time and skepticism.
P. Sheshadri
Prof. P. Sheshadri was a distinguished Indian academician and the first Indian principal of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan Government College in Ajmer, Rajasthan. He served as principal from 1932 to 1942, a period during which the college solidified its reputation as a leading educational institution in North India.
Under Prof. Sheshadri’s leadership, the college expanded its academic programs and infrastructure, contributing significantly to higher education in the region. His dedication to education and visionary leadership left a lasting impact on the institution and its students.
Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan Government College, established in 1836, is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in Rajasthan. It has a rich history of academic excellence and has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.
A statue made of white stone was erected in his memory in the Botanical Garden of the college. The statue was funded and dedicated by his students as a tribute to his remarkable contributions.
He passed away on 18th April 1942, shortly after leaving his position as Principal. The memorial reflects his esteemed position and the love and respect of his students. Engravings on the statue highlight his influential tenure and deep impact on the college.
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Silken tassel | A smooth, soft thread-like decoration | रेशमी लटकन |
| Tipped with gold | Having a golden end or embellishment | सोने से सजी हुई |
| Sacred | Holy, connected with divinity or spiritual matters | पवित्र |
| Sravan | A month in the Hindu calendar (July-August) | श्रावण (हिंदू कैलेंडर का महीना) |
| Pretty faith | A charming or appealing belief | सुंदर विश्वास |
| Heed | Pay attention to, take notice of | ध्यान देना |
| Rashly bold | Recklessly brave or daring | अविवेकी रूप से साहसी |
| Flout | Disregard or show contempt for rules or traditions | अवमानना करना |
| Void of worth | Without value or significance | महत्वहीन |
| Ancient mummery | Old or meaningless tradition | पुरानी और निरर्थक प्रथा |
| Slavish piety | Excessive or blind religious devotion | अंधी और अतिशय धार्मिक भक्ति |
| Devoted | Loyal and loving | समर्पित |
| The fair | A poetic reference to women | स्त्रियों (कविता में स्त्रियों के लिए संदर्भ) |
