Sisters tie exotic rakhis on Raksha Bandhan

There’s nothing new about the unique relationship a sister and brother share. Raksha Bandhan only strengthens the bond.

The city saw siblings celebrate the festival with much fervour on Monday. While sisters go looking for rakhis of different designs for their brothers, the latter strive to get some surprise gift for the sisters. From clothes, dolls and books to chocolates, the gift choices are endless. For those who stay apart, this occasion is for spending time with each other.

For Chandan and Anusha, the festival has always been a special one. “I have never failed to tie a rakhi to my brother on this special day. My brother has been with me during my highs and lows. He deserves this day,” said Anusha. She has bought a special LED rakhi for her brother. It is a complete box of chocolates that she gets in return.

However, for Shubhangi and her brother Ankush, residents of Koramangala, the festival was all about being with each other more than tying the knot or gifts. “We do not need a specific day to gift our loved ones. We need to spend time together more often,” said Shubhangi.

Sujay, a resident of Kengeri, said although he was planning to visit his sister in Electronics City, he could not make it due to work. However, he has not forgotten to send a gift, a smart watch, for the lovely rakhi sent by her. “This is the first time we are not spending the day together. Every year, I used to take her out and give her whatever she asks for. We miss a lot of such things as we grow up,” he said.

Swadhyay, an organisation which promotes selfless service to god, also observed Rakshabandhan by organising a bike rally and a discourse. “Through this festival, we remind people about the love one needs to have towards siblings,” said Ashutosh Naik, a member of the organisation. The bike rally which was organised on Sunday saw about 500 people participate. It was held in Anekal, JP Nagar, Sarjapur and Whitefield.