The customary way to recognise the festival Rakshabandhan is by getting the sacred threads ‘rakhi’ tied to the wrist by one and only our sisters. Rakshabandhan is an occasion where we honour a relationship based on love and affection. However, there are ample other bonds that are based on this norm. Don’t we feel the need to admire these bonds too? If you would want nothing more than to honour the ones you care for, it is time to give a new meaning to this festival. Read on to recognise the ‘other’ bonds with whom you can celebrate Rakshabandhan.
Rakshabandhan is a festival defined by promises made between brother-sister duos across the world. They pledge on bracing and protecting their bond when the sister ties the sacred thread ‘rakhi’ around her brother’s wrist.
However, it is not necessary that only men should get their wrists filled with rakhis. If we look around, we can find ourselves within a boatload of relationships bonded with love and fondness.
It is time to celebrate these relationships with the holy day of Rakshabandhan if you look up to them!
Here are some ‘other’ bonds with whom you can celebrate Rakshabandhan:
Pets
If you have a pet at home, you must be familiar with the feeling of admiration we feel towards our furry friends. You can tie them a rakhi and surprise them with some toys.
Instead of getting a glamorous, glittery rakhi, make a handmade one with nothing but biscuits. Sounds fun right?
This way your doggo will chew only on edibles, not on glitters!
Trees and saplings
If you’re someone whose day starts with watering and tending your plants, my friend, you’re at the right page!
The indigenous people in Jharkhand, India have been tying rakhi to trees and saplings for years now. For them, it is a way to protect and conserve the forests.
Tying this sacred thread to plants is a unique and benevolent way to celebrate the festival. You can even tie a rakhi to the plants you have at your home. Pledge to protect them the way they protect us with their goodness!
Your best buddy
If Friendship day is not enough to celebrate the endearing bond between you and your best buddy, Rakshabandhan has your back!
Best friends are like our ‘brother from another mother’. To honour such a lovable bond, tie them a rakhi. Celebrate the day with some snacks, games and lots of brotherhood.
Soldiers
Finally, it is time to honour our dear guardians!
Soldiers are the brothers of a country. These souls ceaselessly fight every single day to protect us.
They stay miles away from their families, missing out on countless occasions and moments.
By sending them a rakhi and some presents on the day of Rakshabandhan, you can give them a feeling of brotherhood and belongingness too.
Conclusion
This Raksha bandhan, give yourself an opportunity to honour the connections you care for. Tie around the sacred thread and give these relationships a beautiful, blessed meaning.
As the Dalai Lama said, “Love and compassion are necessities, without them, humanity cannot survive.”
The most thoughtful way to celebrate a festival like Rakshabandhan is by showing some brotherly love to the needy. Visit an orphanage or an old-age home and celebrate the occasion with the people residing at these homes.
Do good, feel good!