The sacred city of Ayodhya witnessed a unique Raksha Bandhan celebration at Shringi Dham on the banks of the Saryu River, where rakhis were ceremonially brought for Lord Ram and his brothers — Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughn — on behalf of their sister, Mata Shanta.
Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust, said the celebration formed part of a three-day Raksha Bandhan festival at Shringi Dham. He explained that Maharaj Dashrath, on Maharishi Vashishtha’s advice, performed a yagya at this site with Rishi Shring from Karnataka to seek sons. An ashram for Rishi Shring and a temple dedicated to Mata Shanta, the daughter of Maharaj Dashrath and sister of Lord Ram, stand at Saryu Ghat to this day.
The highlight of the festivities was an intricate idol of Mata Shanta tying a rakhi to Lord Ram, crafted from gunpowder by Banaras artisans. This idol was part of the Rakhi Puja held on August 6, after which the rakhi was brought from Shringi Dham to the Ram temple.
In a parallel celebration, sweet makers in Jodhpur created edible rakhi confections, combining artistry and tradition.
Raksha Bandhan, a festival honouring the bond between brothers and sisters, sees sisters tying rakhis as a symbol of protection, while brothers pledge to safeguard them. The tradition is deeply rooted in Indian culture, with references found in ancient Hindu scriptures.
