JOIN USWhile all relationships are special and add to the golden tapestry of life, the equation between a brother and a sister is definitely unique. On the occasion of ‘Raksha Bandhan’, Bengalureans share memories of the day and the significance it holds for them.
For Nirmal Jain, a businessman, the day brings back memories of planning for the perfect gift for his sister, Rekha. “As children, this was an important annual affair. But after she got married and moved to Rajasthan, it has been difficult to continue the practice. It’s after years that I was able to meet her again this year during this festival. My visit was a big surprise for her,” he says.
Talking about the emotional connect between them that this day strengthens, Nirmal adds, “The thread is a reflection of her prayers and blessings for me. It also reminds me about my duties as a brother.”
Entrepreneur Arpit’s sisters Anamika and Aparna are not in town but they have made sure their ‘rakhis’ have reached. “These strings are sweet reminders of the time I have spent with them. It’s one of my most favourite festivals as it gives us a chance to renew our love for each other,” he says.
“My cousin Anita ties the rakhis on my wrist on my sisters’ behalf. I video call them and we reconnect with each other on the day,” he says. Arpit also feels that the day is the perfect excuse to indulge in his favourite food like ‘jalebis’, ‘paneer’ and ‘dal’. “The day would be all about me,” he says with a smile.
Food is one of the highlights for Samraggi Chakraborty also. The assistant professor points out that sweets like ‘kaju barfi’ and ‘kheerer sandesh’ always took centrestage during the celebrations, along with other delectable dishes that include ‘chanar dalna’ and even mutton curry. “This year, I will be making ‘payesh’ for my brother Saurab. I have always gone out of the way to buy the best ‘rakhi’ for him,” she says.
‘Raksha Bandhan’ has interesting memories for people like Shelendra Singh Pawar, a statistics programmer, who confesses that he always forgot to buy gifts for his sister Sneha. “Being the elder one, she has always been the protective sibling. Despite this, we would have funny quarrels over trivial issues like her selection of ‘rakhi’ or something like that. But our bond is still a very special one,” he says, adding that Sneha supported him during his lowest ebb. “Though she might scold me otherwise, she always takes my side when our parents are admonishing me,” he says.
This year, he will be working from home and hopes to observe the day with Sneha in a grand way. “My sister is usually not a very expressive person but this is the one day when she goes out of her way to let me know how she feels for me,“ he adds.
Tini Sara Anien