This Raksha-Bandhan – No Raksha, Only Bandhan !

Dear Sister,

Till date, Raksha-Bandhan, which literally means “the tie or knot of protection”, have been joyously celebrated by us, with customary rituals. Sisters tie a “Rakhi” (the sacred thread) on her brother’s wrist symbolizing her love and prayers for brother’s well-being, and the brother’s lifelong vow to protect her. While you being into your adulthood, and also being employed, I propose to forgo my promise to protect you. I choose not guard you, against any of your life-problems, be it your physical bouts, financial tangles or scrambled relationships.

I want you to hold your head high, and resolve your own disputes. You don’t need “A Man” (a brother in this case) in your life, to shield you. Raksha-Bandhan, is a celebration honoring brother-sister love and the influence of siblings in our lives. But by offering you protection, I just don’t want “Rakhi” to be a sign of your weakness. Stay strong, augment your skills, be fearless, and fight your own battles. Be financially independent and persistently train and educate yourself, to combat your professional and economical challenges. Decrypt your relationships with patience, love, care and honesty, but don’t let anybody crumble your dignity.

While I chose, not to “Guard” you, I volunteer to “Guide” you. Instead of being protective brother like a “Cage”, allow me to be your “Wings”. Let’s laugh at our miseries, sob at our cherished memories and heal our injuries together. Let’s share our hearts, and choose to remain as friends forever. As we always have had, let’s build more memorable moments, and make our bond, stronger each day, irrespective of rituals, circumstances, distances or time.

This year, let’s tie “Rakhi” onto each other’s wrist, and be equivalent. Let them be the embodiment of our love and prayers for each other. Let’s junk “Raksha-Bandhan”, and celebrate “Sneha-Bandhan”.

Stay Blessed,

Your Friend-cum-Brother