<p>For the last many years, Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh has been giving a new meaning to the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan. In Yashoda Nagar area of the city, two Muslim sisters have been tying rakhis on the wrists of their Hindu brothers to celebrate the occasion. This tradition has become a medium to strengthen the bond between two communities and symbolize the fact that the bond shared by brothers and sisters is above any religion or caste. In India, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated for ages and has many tales associated with it. One such tale which is symbolic of this beautiful brother sister bond between Hindus and Muslims is that of Maharani Karnawati, the queen of Chittor and Emperor Humayun. It is said that when Chittor, the Rajput Kingdom in Rajasthan was threatened by Bhadur Shah of Mewar, the Queen Karnawati sent rakhi to Humayun, the Mughal Emperor of Delhi. Humayun, who was aware of the significance of Rakhi in the Hindu Community, willingly accepted it and promised to protect her. Today the same tradition is being taken forward by a locality in Kanpur. Raksha Bandhan is a prominent festival celebrated all across India. Sisters tie sacred thread on their brother’s wrist and wish for their wellbeing and prosperity, who in return take a pledge for their security in every situation thrown at them.</p>
