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In this smart world where robots have learnt to speak, talking to anyone is one click away. People communicate more on social media than in person. As convenient as it is, they sure lack something. Ask anyone who misses their family, they might tell you. Communicating through phones is just not the same, especially with close ones and one’s family.
Eons may pass, and we might build housing colonies over Mars, but the influence that one’s family has in shaping them never ceases. Families play an important role in shaping society and thereby the world we inhabit. A healthy household not only incorporates human values but also teaches respect, boundaries, and the complex beauty of human relations.
Every family tie plays a part in how we are shaped, teaching lessons that will walk by us through our journeys of life. One such magical relation is that of a brother and a sister. The annoying bliss that one gets to feel in this bond is the same anywhere in the world. There is a silent sanctity about it.
In India, there is a festival dedicated to brothers and sisters. Falling on a full moon day in the month of August, it is called “Raksha Bandhan”. It literally means a knot of protection in an ancient language, Sanskrit. It is believed that this festival of brothers and sisters dates back to hundreds of centuries.
The real fun begins a day or two before the big day; when all sisters start thronging shops laden with rows of decorated threads called Rakhis. You can think of these as amulets that look like bracelets. The brother also gets equally busy, secretly searching for a gift to give to his beloved sister. Some even save money for a while to buy a good gift to surprise their sisters.
On the day of the festival, all the members of the family wake up early in the morning, take a
shower and wear new clothes. The mother cooks delicious food and all festivities start with a
pooja. The Sister ties the thread to her brother's wrist; it’s believed that it carries the blessings of the sister and protects him. It reminds him that he will always stand by her and
protect her. He promises to be there for her through thick and thin and gives her a special
gift as a marker to remind her that he will stand by her.
This festival is considered auspicious and reflects the love, care, and affection that a brother
and sister share. It is also celebrated by brothers and sisters bound in heart, if not in blood.
Celebrated in different parts of the world, it has changed and evolved organically through the sands of time, embodying the fragrance of whichever culture, it has become a part of.
Few schools in Deutschland celebrate it. Kids tie Rakhi to Mayors, Firemen, and police as a
token of gratitude for their services of protection to this country. It’s an adorable way to show
the children’s appreciation and gratitude to those professionals who put in efforts to make
their lives safe and sound.
Every once in a while, in between our busy lives and career hustles, these festivals give us a
chance to celebrate the bond of a brother and sister. They bring bonds closer, reminding us
who we are.
It is amazing to have bonds that bind. But isn’t it great to cherish them once in a while?
The above article is written by Sabarish Kumar Amaravadi and Co-Authored by Pavani Sairam Uppuluri
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