Why Raksha Bandhan is more than just a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters

The festival of Raksha Bandhan holds a special spot in everyone’s heart. For many, the occasion is about tying a rakhi on their brother’s wrist and praying they get the best of everything in their life. For others, the festival is about cherishing the special bond they share with people who are not their siblings. Here are a few beautiful stories of people for whom the festival goes beyond the blood ties …

“My pet dog has been living with us since seven years and he is the pampered brat of our family. He is my parents’ son, my daughter’s favourite uncle and in turn, an inseparable part of our family. I, too, consider him my younger brother and tie a rakhi on his collar every year.”

“During my college days, a boy used to sell ice-creams near my house. He was really dedicated towards his studies and did petty jobs to support his family financially. I used to help him by giving him school books, stationery, clothes and treated him like a younger brother. Seven years back, he turned up at my home unannounced on Raksha Bandhan and gifted me ice-creams. I tied rakhi on his wrist and our bond became official! Today, he is working in an MNC and never forgets to send me a pack of my favourite ice-creams on Raksha Bandhan.”

“I was born two days after my grandfather’s sister passed away. He believes I am his sister’s reincarnation. And I tie a rakhi on his wrist every year. Many might not understand his sentiments and might be surprised to find a girl celebrate Raksha Bandhan with her grandfather. I always tell such people that the sentiments matter more than rules and rituals.”

“What started as a mindless banter became a life-long bond in my case. When I was in the sixth standard, a friend asked me to tie a rakhi on his wrist because he did not have a sister. After teasing him for a few minutes, I tied the rakhi without giving it any thought and got a chocolate and pencil as a gift. Surprisingly, he took it very seriously and made sure we celebrated the festival every year. It has been fourteen years now and no matter wherever he is in the world, he comes to my place to celebrate this festival every year.”

“My sister and I did not have any male cousin or brothers and used to feel left out on Raksha Bandhan. My mother sensed our awkwardness and suggested that we start tying rakhi on each other’s wrists. I remember she lectured us about the importance of the festival and why one does not necessarily need to have a brother to celebrate the festival. Since then, we have been celebrating Raksha Bandhan, exchanging gifts and silently promising to protect each other, always!”