“Brothers and sisters separated by distance, joined by love.”
Chuck Danes
Thanks Spidey, for a wonderful quote, apt for today, as it is Rakhri, or Raksha Bandhan, today.
This is a special day, celebrated in India, and by Indians worldwide. It is a day for brothers and sisters.
Raksha means to look after. Bandhan means bound together.
Traditionally, a sister ties a special thread around the wrist of her brother(s) and feeds them something sweet. A brother returns this with a small gift.
That special thread is filled with blessings and a promise to always be there for the brother, praying for his wellbeing at all times. The brother takes this duty seriously, and if a rakhi is tied on him, he vows to look after his sister, forever, too.
When I was younger, it was a wonderfully profitable day! I have many, many cousins, and it’s not just your brother you tie on, but anyone who is like a brother to you, so cousins, friends who are close enough to be brothers, etc. and they all gave a token, or money, as their little gesture, responding to the sacred thread tied on them.
It was always an exciting time amongst all us girls, and oen that the brothers loved, but dreaded, knowing they would be lighter in the pocket by the end of the day, especially if they had lots of sisters!
Obviously, there are a few changes to this nowadays. Sisters tie on sisters, too, because you don’t have to be a male, or a brother, to look after one another. And, it’s not about the money, or gifts, either. It is the thought behind that thread that is tied. The bond that shouldn’t ever break.
It’s always a bittersweet day for me, as, nowadays, rarely will I get the chance to be with my own brother, to tie his rakhi on him, personally. We faithfully post ours, me to him, Lil Princess to her two little brothers, out there, in Helsinki, and they get tied on our behalfs. They know we are there for them, with them, forever.
At least I get to see my own two, performing this age old ritual. Though, the promises are to look after each other, not just the brother looking after his sister! (And she still expects a little gift!)
So, what about you? Do you have a close bond with your siblings, if you have them?
Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Aug 23, 2021 @ 19:57:03
This is a lovely custom, Ritu. Tradition is so important.
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Aug 23, 2021 @ 20:04:12
Oh, it really is, Jennie 🥰
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Aug 23, 2021 @ 21:19:34
😍
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Aug 23, 2021 @ 16:13:05
I love this custom!
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Aug 23, 2021 @ 17:58:10
Me too, Rae!!!
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Aug 23, 2021 @ 02:59:14
I’m the youngest of four boys. We all get along well, but we don’t see each other often because we all live far apart from one another. We do have a family reunion every three years. During Covid, we started Zooming once a month, so that’s one good thing that came out of it.
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Aug 23, 2021 @ 07:36:45
Distance can make the heart fonder, as they say!
Video calls have been out saviours!
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 20:10:29
What a very nice tradition, Sis! Happy Raksha Bandhan! I hope you all had a nice Sunday, without rain. By the way, a new Spidey movie is in the pipline. :-)) You have to look for it, and schedule. 😉 Best wishes, Michael
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 20:12:19
Thank you, Bro, and Happy Rakhri to you, too! 🥰
We had one quick rain shower. The rest of the day clear!
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 20:08:16
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 17:47:56
A wonderful tradition, Sister. Happy Rakhri 💜💜💜
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 17:48:29
Thank you, Brother 💜💜💜
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 17:49:34
You’re welcome, Sister, always 💜💜💜
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 16:44:14
I remember you telling us about this day before. I so lovely and I saw most of my brothers and sisters yesterday so it’s very apt. 💜💜💜💜💜
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 16:53:08
That is lovely. I only wish I could be with my brother 🥰
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 20:14:40
I know , fingers crossed for next year 💜
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 16:09:50
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 14:35:14
It’s such a lovely tradition Ritu. We used to do Chinese red packets at Chinese New Year but this seems to have slipped. Perhaps I should resurrect it! I’m sure the girls would like as the packets have money in them. My mum always used to do this but what with advancing age and covid it seems not surprisingly to have been forgotten about. Me included. I hope to see my brother soon I’m travelling up to Edinburgh before I go to Portugal and finish work on the 10th September! It is getting closer and must admit to getting somewhat nervous.
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 15:25:31
I hope you get to see him, soon, Marje! And yes, definitely resurrect that tradition!!
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 18:40:04
Yes will do and must do! x
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 14:30:55
Such a joy to share love! Smiling for I know what a gift you are to those who mean the most to you! ❤
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 15:24:42
🥰🥰🥰 thanks, Sis 🥰🥰🥰
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 11:29:51
Such a beautiful tradition. I never heard of it before thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 11:33:39
You’re most welcome. It is a lovely tradition 🥰
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 10:04:07
As an only child, I love this tradition, Ritu… and that you post them to each other!
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Aug 22, 2021 @ 10:04:43
I couldn’t miss it, somehow, we have to make sure he has his Rakhi!
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