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Summary of Question:	Rakhari: Nonsense Or What?
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 8/09/2006 11:03 AM MDT

Are those paintings and pictures of Guru Nanak Dev Ji getting a rakhari tied on his wrist by his elder sister Bibi Nanaki a great fraud? I think so:

Today is rakhari or rakhsha bandhan day. it's a holiday in indian culture that actually puts females down. The sister ties a colorful thread on her brother's wrist and they exchange gifts, etc. this is to show that the brother will always protect the sister from bad guys. however, even girls that are many years older tie a rakhari on the bro (a sister that's 15 and bro that's like 3). How's he supposed to take care of her? isn't it the other way round then?
Rakhari is stupid. this lady at a shop near my college was like 'shocked' that i didn't tie a rakhari on my bros. (one of em is 6! and im 18).
I asked her rhetorically: Did Guru Gobind Singh tie a rakhari on anyone?? NO. he put females (so did all the other Gurus) in a stronger light: females can also defend themselves and the downtrodden.
what do u have to say about rakhari? (I think its a stupid cultural thing that has nothing to do with Sikhism and Gursikhi jeevan).

Harminder Kaur

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reply
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Sat nam. Rakhari is an old Indian tradition. It has nothing specific to do with Sikhi or Gursikhi jeevan. because it is part of the dominant Indian culture, which is hindu-based, it is remembered/practiced by many Indians regardless of their specific religion. Whether that is appropriate or not is not up to me. The Gursikh lives and acts consciously. A Gursikh should examine each deed s/he does in light of its accord with our Gurus' teachings. Rest falls into place.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK