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Like all Indian festivals, the festival of rakhi has numerous tales associated with it. Here are some you may or may not have heard.
Among the many tales of Raksha Bandhan, a version of the story of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun is one that often finds
a mention. Karnavati was the regent of Mewar after the death of her husband Rana Sanga. She ruled in the name of her elder son Vikramjeet. When Bahadur Shah of Gujarat attacked Mewar for the second time -- he had defeated Vikramjeet earlier -- the queen began reaching out to her nobles for support. Initially apprehensive, the nobles finally agreed to take on Shah. In the meanwhile, Karnavati also wrote to Humayun, for help. She sent him a rakhi and sought protection. Interestingly, Humayun's father Babur had defeated Rana Sanga when he led a confederation of Rajput armies against him in 1527. The Mughal emperor was in the middle of another military campaign when he received the call for help. Abandoning it he turned his attention to Mewar. Unfortunately, he never made it on time. As the Rajput army was defeated in Chittor -- where the battle was taking place -- Karnavati committed Jauhar -- an act of self-immolation to protect herself from indignity of falling in the hands of Bahadur Shah. Shah however could not go any further and had to turn away from Chittor as Mughal military reinforcements arrived soon after. Humayun then restored the kingdom to Karnavati's son, Vikramjit.
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Unlike the previous one, this legend does find mention in various Hindu scriptures.
A version of this story goes thus: As part of a promise, Lord Vishnu has been protecting his devotee and the demon King Bali, disguising himself as his doorman.
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Back in Vaikunth, the abode of Vishnu, his consort Laxmi has been missing him. Disguising herself as a woman seeking a shelter to live in since her husband has been away, she approaches Bali. The generous king opens the doors of his palaces for the lady. As Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity enters the household Bali begins to prosper. On the full moon day of in the holy month of Shravana, Laxmi ties a thread of coloured cotton on Bali's wrist and wishes for protection and happiness. Bali asks her what she desires and promises to fulfil it. Laxmi simply points to the gatekeeper who now reveals his real identity. The goddess follows suit. Bali keeps his promise and requests Vishnu to return to his home with his consort. In return, Vishnu promises to return and be with Bali for four months of each year.
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