Raksha Bandhan is that time of the year when brothers and sisters celebrate the bond of affection and trust. Traditionally, the ritual includes a sister tying a sacred thread around her brother’s wrist, symbolically expressing her love for him and seeking his protection in return. Even though the exact origin of this festival remains unknown, people have different stories from mythology to explain its existence. From Rani Karnavati of Mewar who sent out a letter along with a rakhi (thread) in it to Humayun and sought his protection in return when Mewar was under the attack of Bahadur Shah Zafar to Draupadi tying a torn cloth on Krishna’s bleeding finger and to Goddess Lakshmi tying a thread on King Bali’s wrist in order to get her husband Lord Vishnu back, Indian mythology is replete with such stories.
Observed not only in the Northern belt of India, Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated across the North western parts of the subcontinent and Nepal with great fervour. We were curious to know how people in Chennai celebrate the day and what are the memories they have of celebrating it with their siblings.
Actress Neelima recalls celebrating the day with her brother Abishek who happens to be 6 years younger to her. “I consider him my son more than my brother; it’s more of a mother-son bond we share where I am very protective of him. Back in my school days, I used to take him to school and bring him back on my cycle; we studied in the same school and went to same coaching classes. He used to accompany me on the sets as well when I would be shooting. He’s a software developer now and he surprised me with a sari which he bought from his first salary and I cherish this gift the most. This day happens to be a very special one for the both of us,” shared Neelima.
For actor Bharath, it was quite a disturbing moment when his sister got married and moved out. He recalls the loving banter between him and his sister. “Half the times we would fight and the other times I would be taking care of her being the elder brother and the more responsible one in my family. When it comes to Rakhi gifts, I think cash is the safest way to go,” says Bharath.
But what about the brothers who don’t have a sister to celebrate the day with? Well, that is the case with actor Ashok who has a brother for a sibling but luckily enough he has the privilege of celebrating the day with his friend’s sister who ties a rakhi on him every year without fail. From five-star chocolates to saris and jewellery, the rakhi gifts too matured as they both grew up. “She ties me a rakhi since the school days and it still continues even today when she’s married and lives in Gujarat. She now sends me the rakhi by post,” says an elated Ashok.
Actress Prerna Khanna who has been here in Chennai for a while after shifting from Hyderabad along with her family shares a few experiences of her Rakhi celebration. “Rakha Bandhan starts with sweetness and ends with sweetness always. I have been very lucky that I get to celebrate two festivals with my brother Rakhi and Diwali. Every year I make sure that I would empty his bank balance; it’s a lot of fun. Every Rakhi I insure that I’ll get a good gift. I, my sister Drishti get the opportunity to bully the younger brother once in a year.” Related to gift, she shared a lot of memories, she tells, “I remember last year my brother got me a gift for both of us but I hid it and I kept bluffing him throughout the day, thinking that he would take us around for shopping,” shares the cheerful actress.
Although brother Prangad is a very good cook and who frequently makes food for the family, prepares dal puras (made ith dal and chawal), sister gets a lot of pastries and each of them feed each other. “We experience having such kind of food as we maintain some rituals on that particular day. As it’s a beautiful festival because the brother takes an oath to protect you, you get some sweets for him and make sure he returns it back to you,” she concludes.
For author Rakhi Kapoor, a single day cannot define the pure loving bond that is shared between a brother and a sister. Every day is Raksha Bandhan for her as she believes in loving every day.
“I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, I don’t celebrate Rakhi as formally, don’t even celebrate dad’s day, Mom’s day. Honestly speaking, he has been staying in US, and I don’t send him rakhi. I don’t believe that in one day, you get up, tie a string around your brother and you prove your love to him. I believe in loving every day as you can’t dedicate one day of your life to one relationship.” “And we don’t exchange any formality, any gift. When he comes here, I take him out for eating whatever he wants. My brother is not that expressive in nature, but he expressed once he kissed on my cheeks and ran away in the airport and it was a very big deal for him. But I know how much my brother loves me”. So, I am not a person who celebrates the relationships on one day or believe in tying a string, but I celebrate every day,” adds the author.
