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We all have spent the last few days witnessing the excitement brewing in people to celebrate the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan. The extended weekend that it has brought along has added to the excitement. Markets being filled with stalls displaying various colourful rakhis; the extensive planning to find the perfect gift for the sibling; the many promises to try not to fight on this day are few of the many indicators that this festival has arrived. We see in contemporary times, this festival has come to mean differently to different people of our society.

1. A chance to transcend distance

Not all of us are lucky enough to live with our family members in the same city, let alone in the same house. The need to settle in hostels, pursue jobs in different cities or marriage, often puts miles of distance between a person and their siblings.

Thus, we see tickets booked in advance, bags enthusiastically packed and everything else put on a hold as this occasion arrives. The festival often becomes an excuse for everyone to finally take out time from their busy yet monotonous schedules and spend time with their ever so precious family.

 

2. Acknowledging the heroism of the elder sister

The conventional understanding of the festival teaches us that the elder brother is asked to protect the younger sister always. For many, the need to have an elder brother never arises as their elder sister is enough. “I never really felt the lack of an elder brother. I saw my sister being a friend, a parent and a protector to me and that was more than enough. There are days when she makes me wish I was the only child, but in the end, I know that she’s got my back”, said Akanksha Verma, second year B.Tech student from Gautam Budhha University.

 

3. The bond with cousins and friends

There are many of us who might be the only child and do not have a brother or sister to associate the festival with, but then, what are cousins for? Raksha Bandhan becomes even more enjoyable when you meet your extended family, and numerous cousins and celebrate the festival with them. (Also, the number of gifts increases so it becomes a win-win situation). Luckily, if you’re one of the lucky few who’ve made friends that have practically become your family, this occasion becomes the ideal time to spend with them and make them realize their importance.

 

Nishita Agarwal

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Feature Image credits: http://s3.india.com/