By Dr Pravin Kumar Singh*
Ulrika (Sweden): The Swedish community of Ulrika has embraced a new tradition of celebrating Rakshabandhan with a green wrist to show a commitment to protecting our planet. Bertil Andersson, Mayor of Ulrika Town, remarked that “rituals like these, with local engagement for the environment and sustainability, will have a lasting impact on future generations.”
This is the second year the Ulrika-headquartered People’s World Commission for Drought and Flood (PWCDF) team organized the event of tying rakhis to trees, and the idea has quickly gained traction with the Swedish community which has recognized the event as a meaningful way to connect cultural practices with environmental responsibility. The positive response reflects a growing commitment to sustainability, turning Rakshabandhan into a celebration that strengthens our bond with nature.
Rakshabandhan is a festival that resonates with the profound bond between brothers and sisters. Traditionally, Rakshabandhan is a time when sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, tie a sacred thread known as Rakhi around their wrists, and perform an arati to pray for their good health and long life. This ritual symbolizes a sister’s love and the brother’s vow to protect her in return, often accompanied by a gift as a token of this bond.
Also read: A novel ‘Rakshabandhan’ initiative in Sweden
However, in a world grappling with climate change, environmental degradation, and the urgent need for sustainable living, we adhered to the call of the “Waterman of India”, Dr Rajendra Singh, who is also the chairman of PWCDF, for a shift in our focus. Dr Singh emphasized that our environment, our planet, is in dire need of care and safeguarding. Hence, we in Sweden celebrated Rakshabandhan with an innovative and meaningful twist by dedicating the festival not just to the protection of siblings but to the protection of Mother Earth herself. We had done so last year also. We tied Rakhi to the trees that give us life. The act symbolized a vow to protect the environment, echoing the festival’s traditional values of love and protection, but expanding it to include the most critical need of our times—environmental conservation. The event began with the ceremonial tying of Rakhi to a majestic tree, symbolizing the Earth’s vitality. Participants, including staff, students, and community members, tied Rakhis to trees across the PWCDF campus, each thread representing a personal commitment to protecting nature.
Like last year, this year too, the ‘Waterman’ led the ceremony, guiding participants through the significance of their actions, reminding everyone that just as a brother promises to protect his sister, we must now promise to protect our planet from harm.
According to him, by tying this thread to a tree, we pledge to preserve and protect our environment, just as we would protect a sibling. This thread represents not just a bond between humans but a bond between humanity and nature. It is a reminder that the health of our planet is intertwined with our own well-being.
The event culminated in a collective prayer for the earth’s health and a commitment to sustainable practices. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of unity and purpose as participants reflected on their roles in safeguarding the environment. The message was clear: just as the bond between a brother and sister is sacred, so too is the bond between humans and nature.
This unique celebration of Rakshabandhan serves as an inspiring reminder that traditions can evolve with time to address the most pressing issues of our era. By reinterpreting the festival’s essence, the PWDCF Office at Ulrika, Sweden has set a powerful example of how cultural practices can be harmonized with the need for environmental conservation.
As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, through small yet significant actions, such as tying a Rakhi to a tree, we can contribute to a larger movement that seeks to preserve the Earth for future generations.
*Dr. Pravin Kumar Singh is a scientist at the Institute of Advanced Materials, IAAM, Sweden
