Bonding threads

According to Hinduism, threads are used for different purposes. There are several different types of threads and tying them in different parts of the body are associated with specific rituals or festivals.

Mauli or Kalava, a red cotton string or thread that sometimes has a few yellow coloured elements is a sacred thread tied by the priests on the wrists of the people  before the beginning of a religious ceremony or havan. As the thread is considered to be an integral part of any puja, it is tied on the right hand of men and married women and on the left hand of unmarried girls by reciting mantras. According to popular belief, the sanctified red thread with the blessings of deities will protect a person from disease, enemies and other dangers.

Married women tie the same thread especially on the Vat Savitri puja around the Peepal tree almost 108 times.

As Peepal is symbolic for good health and long life, women by walking around the tree 108 times, contemplate on these matters and pray for their husbands. A single thread may be weak, but, when it is wound 108 times around the trunk, it becomes strong. It is no longer so fragile and no longer easy to break.

In Islam, people tie a thread in the Dargah around the main boundary wall to state their wishes to the Pir (sufi master). They vow that if their wish comes true, they will come back to the same Dargah and untie it.

Tying of a mauli or a red silk thread (rakhi) by a sister on a brother’s right wrist is called Raksha Bandhan, a combination of two words meaning protection and bonding. This symbolises the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being and the brother’s lifelong vow to protect her.

The festival falls on the full moon day of the Shravan month in the Hindu calendar. The sister decorates a plate that contains the rakhi, a lighted lamp, rice, sindoor and some sweets. She performs aarti with the plate clockwise to ward off any evil eye. Then she puts a tilak on his forehead along with some rice grains followed by tying the rakhi.

There are different types of rakhi available these days.

Rudraksha Rakhi
Rudraksha is the purest form linked to God Shiva and he is the lord of protection. Rudraksha beads are worn for health, wealth, happiness, and protection. The main advantage of a rudraksha is to maintain good and harmonious relationships and to ward off any evil. A mauli or a red silk thread with a basic paanch mukhi rudraksha in it will enhance your relationship with your brother.

Crystal Rakhi
Crystals are natural mineral stones which have magnificent qualities. They are said to enhance the body’s own healing abilities, reduce stress and improve the quality of your life. They hold a massive amount of energy. A mauli or a red silk thread with one clear quartz crystal or a rose quartz or a combination of both can be made, as clear quartz is good for all seven chakras of the body  while rose quartz enhances the heart chakra, which works for relationships.