Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi, is a festival that celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters. According to custom, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers’ wrists, getting a gift in return. This rakhi symbolises the brother’s duty to protect and care for his sister.

It is a joyful time and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. There’s excitement all around, of receiving gifts and getting together with one’s brothers and sisters and just, sharing the love. It is not only a special day for brothers and sisters but it is also a great way to spend some quality time with one’s family. Plus today, with the help of technology, one can connect with their loved ones sitting on the other side of the world.

 

The bond that is shared between brothers and sisters is truly amazing. It is something that is exclusive only to them and no other relation comes as close. No matter how many times you fight you know that at the end of the day, you will always have each other’s backs. It’s not only about the siblings or cousins one has. Indians even follow a tradition of sending rakhis to soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces. This signifies their role of protecting the country and the citizens. So Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated with anyone who is considered to be a brother, sister, protector and a companion. Someone whom you share an unbreakable bond with and who you know will always be there for you through thick and thin. This is exactly what Rakhi celebrates…the unbreakable bond you share with that person.

 

Although Raksha Bandhan is a brother-sister festival, its principles apply to everyone. After all, the essence of Raksha Bandhan lies in togetherness, in solidarity and today we seem to have strayed away from that. There is just so much divide in today’s world and we all should work together to bridge this divide. There are so many people out there in need of protection, in need of companionship and it is our duty as a part of this extensive and diverse community to give them that. 

 

So starting now, let us all come together and be there for each other.

 

Let’s celebrate togetherness.

 

Happy Raksha Bandhan!