Raksha Bandhan
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.