Raksha Bandhan Special: A Thread of Solidarity in Bengal's Divided Landscape
This week in Daak:
1. Raksha Bandhan Special: A Thread of Solidarity in Bengal's Divided Landscape
2. Looking for a Last-Minute Rakhi Gift? We Can Help!
3. Daak Recommends
1. Raksha Bandhan Special: A Thread of Solidarity in Bengal's Divided Landscape
While Raksha Bandhan is typically celebrated as a symbol of the bond between siblings, it holds special significance for Bengalis, especially those impacted by the partition of India. In June 1905, during India's nationalist struggle, Lord Curzon proposed to divide Bengal based on religious lines, separating Hindu-majority areas like West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha from Muslim-majority regions such as Assam and Sylhet.
Tagore declared October 16, the day of the proposed partition, as a national day of mourning and called for solidarity between Hindus and Muslims using the rakhi. Mobilizing thousands along the Ganges, people tied rakhis to one another, reinforcing their unity. Tagore, after taking a dip in the Ganges, initiated a raksha bandhan rally and even proceeded to tie rakhis to clerics at a mosque, symbolizing interfaith brotherhood.
During this period, Tagore composed several iconic songs, including "Amar Sonar Bangla," further inspiring a collective sense of identity. This show of unity temporarily halted the partition, which was unfortunately revived in 1912 based on linguistic differences.
While the act of tying rakhi among neighbours endures in places like Santiniketan, we are far from the utopic picture of unity Tagore had envisioned. As you celebrate with siblings or family, remember that we can bridge the divides of caste, religion, and gender through simple acts of love.
2. Looking for a Last-Minute Rakhi Gift?
We can help! If you’re in Delhi or Bangalore, search for ‘Daak Vaak’ on Blinkit and get a thoughtful gift that celebrates your precious bond.
3. Daak Recommends
Read another Daak on a love-hate story of siblings by Premchand.