“My Intention Was to…”: Sudha Murty Explains Her Raksha Bandhan Post After It Sparked Row

Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty recently shared her perspective on Raksha Bandhan, a significant festival for her, in a video posted on social media platform X. She highlighted the festival’s importance, describing it as a time when a sister ties a rakhi (a protective thread) and asks for support and protection from her brother in times of need.

Murty recounted a story associated with Raksha Bandhan, where Rani Karnavati of Mewar, facing a threat from attackers, sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, asking for his protection. According to her narrative, Humayun, unfamiliar with the custom, agreed to help but unfortunately arrived too late to save Karnavati.

The story sparked debate on social media, with some users asserting that Raksha Bandhan’s origins trace back to the Mahabharata. They referenced the tale of Draupadi and Lord Krishna, where Draupadi tied a piece of cloth around Krishna’s wounded finger, leading him to vow protection for her. This narrative is often cited as a traditional origin story for the festival.

In response to the criticism, Murty issued a clarification, emphasizing that her intention was to highlight one of many stories associated with Raksha Bandhan rather than to present it as the definitive origin. She acknowledged that the festival has various historical and cultural stories, including those from the Mahabharata and other ancient traditions.