Raksha Bandhan and Gender Roles: How celebrities are changing the narrative

Raksha Bandhan, the centuries-old Indian festival that celebrates the bond between siblings, particularly brothers and sisters, is evolving. Rooted in tradition, this festival has long been emblematic of certain rigid gender roles—women tie a protective thread on their brothers’ wrists, and in return, brothers offer gifts and a promise of protection. But in today’s world, where conversations around gender equality and fluidity are growing louder, even Raksha Bandhan is not immune to change. One surprising catalyst for this transformation? Celebrities.

In traditional observance of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi—a sacred thread—around their brothers’ wrists as a symbolic gesture for their well-being and protection. The brothers, in return, give gifts and promise to protect their sisters from any harm. While the sentiment of love and bonding is at the core of the festival, the roles have typically been defined in a way that casts men as protectors and women as dependents.

Today, prominent figures in Indian society—from film stars to cricket icons—are challenging these established norms, both subtly and overtly. Celebrities like Rituparna Sengupta, Prosenjir Chatterjee, Mimi Chakraborty, Priyanka Chopra, Virat Kohli, to Sonam Kapoor have used their platforms to shift the conversation around Raksha Bandhan.

Some celebrities have introduced the concept of gender-neutral rakhis. These threads are tied by both genders and are not confined to a brother-sister dynamic. By doing this, they acknowledge that protection and love are not tied to one’s gender but are universal feelings that can be shared mutually.

Celebrities have also been seen reversing roles, where sisters offer protection to their brothers, challenging the gendered notion that only men can be protectors. This turns the conventional narrative on its head, offering a fresh perspective on how siblings can look out for each other, irrespective of gender.

While the festival traditionally focuses on biological brothers and sisters, celebrities have broadened the scope by celebrating Raksha Bandhan with cousins, stepsiblings, and even close friends, thus moving beyond blood relations and showing that love and protection are not bound by traditional family structures.

The Impact of Celebrity Influence Social media amplifies these changes. When a celebrity posts a picture tying a rakhi on their sister’s wrist or giving a heartfelt message about shared responsibility, it resonates with millions of followers. This not only challenges established norms but also emboldens everyday people to break away from tradition and rewrite their own scripts for Raksha Bandhan.

As society evolves, it’s only natural that our traditions adapt alongside it. Celebrities, often regarded as trendsetters, are playing a significant role in reshaping how Raksha Bandhan is understood and celebrated. By breaking down the gender-specific norms that have long been associated with the festival, they pave the way for a more inclusive and equal understanding of the love between siblings. In an era where discussions around gender roles are taking center stage, the evolving narrative of Raksha Bandhan is a heartwarming example of how even the most time-honored traditions can adapt to reflect modern values.