RAKSHA BANDHAN
Reading edition
A piece of silken tassel tipped with gold, Tied round the hand by loving sister’s hands, A sacred day in Sravan, when the lands Are bathed in welcome rain, is said to hold A potent charm for good. From days of old This pretty faith has come and happy bands Of brothers still pay heed to its commands One day each year. Who will be rashly bold And flout this festival as void of worth— An ancient mummery—to which man shows His slavish piety? Let him, who knows Of beings more devoted than the fair, Of wishes purer than a sister’s care, And stronger powers than woman’s love on earth. P. Seshadri.