Kullu: Villages of Manali celebrate the traditional Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan in a unique and traditional manner. Sister-in-law and brother's wife eagerly wait for Raksha Bandhan as this festival sets the stage for a competition.
The custom commences from the day of RakshaBandhan in which sisters-in-law and brother's wife look for opportunities to untie the amulet or rakhis from their brother-in-law's and husband's brother wrist respectively. The ritual goes on till Dussehra which is looked forward with great excitement and enthusiasm.
If sister-in-law is successful in untying the rakhi from brother-in-law's wrist, then she wins the competition. However, if they fail to do so, then it is considered as a big win for the brother-in-law and a small celebration is also organised at home.
According to beliefs, it is the responsibility of the men to protect the rakhis tied by their sisters till Dussehra. It is also said that sisters put in their best to avert sisters-in-law and brother's wife from untying the rakhis from their brother's wrist.
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Talking to ETV Bharat, Vidya Negi, a local resident, said, "This is a unique and traditional custom celebrated in Manali in which the young generation also actively participates. We have been following this ritual since ages and we exactly don't know when and how did it come to practice. People celebrate this custom with great zeal and happiness and it gives a message of peace and prosperity."
The special custom of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur in the villages of Manali since ages.
According to the local people, earlier only priests and preachers used to tie rakhis to people. But with changing times, the rituals have modified too. Not only sisters, but sisters-in-law also wait for the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan every year.
Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in India and is celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar in the month of Shravana. On this day, sisters tie rakhis around their brother's wrists, as a symbol of a brother's responsibility to protect and care them. On this auspicious day, siblings assure each other to be their support system through thick and thin.
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