Siblings may take each other for granted and may fight a lot, but they also know deep down that they will always be there for each other during the best and worst times in life. Their relationship can be called somewhat bittersweet.
Their connection is difficult to describe but there is nothing quite like a sibling bond — and one thing is for sure, having a sibling never makes you feel like you are alone.
Tamannaah Bhatia
‘Raksha Bandhan makes me nostalgic’
In our country, relations are cherished like a religion. Raksha Bandhan encompasses all the little fights we had, and this day just encapsulates all those things and makes me nostalgic. We had a great childhood and I remember my friends, my brother and I used to hangout and watch films together. The celebrations were the same even after I became an actress. He is working as a doctor in the US now. Although he is staying there, I make sure that I send a rakhi to him every year.
–Tamannaah, Actress
— As told to Sashidhar Adivi
Festivals have always held a prominent place in Indian households.
‘I feel responsible for my sister’
Festivals have always held a prominent place in Indian households. Initially, we never celebrated Raksha Bandhan; it’s only after shifting to Hyderabad decades ago that my sister, Sudha, started celebrating the festival. It gives me a feeling that I am responsible for her. Even though she is married, it’s my responsibility to take care of her. We ensure that we meet on Raksha Bandhan and celebrate our bond.
–Dr Mohan Vamsy, Chief Surgical Oncologist, Omega Hospitals
Raksha Bandhan at our parents’ place on the day. Rakhis are tied followed by tilak and aarti of the brother.
‘Festivals are all about bonding’
We have a get-together on every Raksha Bandhan at our parents’ place on the day. Rakhis are tied followed by tilak and aarti of the brother. Then the brother gives some gift which may be cash or small jewellery. In the modern age, all our cultural festivals remind us of our bonding with the family and also give us a reason to meet the larger family. The relevance and significance of the festival still continues to remind us of our responsibility towards not only our sisters, but the entire family. The gift is not as important as our love for each other.
–Narender Surana, Industrialist ​
Anjani Kumar
‘I am very close to my sisters’
Raksha Bandhan reminds me of my bonding with my sisters. I am close to even my cousin sisters as I grew up in a big, joint family. From growing up together to now when we all are settled in different cities, it has been a wonderful journey. As a child it was great fun — sweets and exchange of gifts and doing a lot of masti. Now, we speak to each other on the phone or on Skype. The relation has evolved into friendship. I feel that this bond of brother-sister is a unique part of our culture.
–Anjani Kumar, Additional DG, Law & Order​
