Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty recently shared a message on Raksha Bandhan, describing it as an “important festival” and explaining the significance of the rakhi, or thread. In her video message posted on X, she recounted the story behind the festival, which led to a lively debate among users.

Murty explained that Raksha Bandhan holds personal significance for her. She detailed its traditional meaning, stating, “Raksha Bandhan is an important festival for me, where a sister ties a thread indicating that in case of any difficulty, you should always be there to help me.” She narrated the historical tale of Rani Karnavati from the Kingdom of Mewar, who, under threat from invaders, sent a thread to Mughal Emperor Humayun, asking for his protection. Despite the gesture, Humayun could not arrive in time to save Karnavati, who perished.

Murty emphasized the sentiment of Raksha Bandhan: “The idea is that when you’re facing a threat or in distress, the thread signifies a call for help and holds great meaning.”

The post prompted a response from users who pointed out alternative origins of Raksha Bandhan. Some referenced the Mahabharat era, noting that the festival’s roots may trace back to Lord Krishna and Draupadi. According to this account, Draupadi tied a cloth around Krishna’s wounded finger, and Krishna vowed to protect her, which was later reflected in the festival’s traditions.

Other stories also depict Raksha Bandhan’s history, such as the legend involving King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. In this narrative, Goddess Lakshmi tied a rakhi on King Bali’s wrist during Shravana Purnima to honor him and secure his protection for Lord Vishnu, a tradition that continues to be celebrated.

The discussion around Murty’s post illustrates the diverse interpretations and historical contexts associated with Raksha Bandhan.