Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, with a sister tying a thread on her brother’s wrist to symbolize her love and his promise to protect her.
Today, the festival has broadened to honour various sibling-like relationships, including cousins and close friends, highlighting mutual respect and support.
I have two older sisters and no brothers. My mother once shared a story with me that has stayed with me ever since. She told me about a little girl with no biological brother.
While returning from school on rainy days, her friends were often accompanied home by their brothers usually, leaving this little girl feeling left out since she had no brother. Her mother noticed the sadness on her face and, upon learning the reason for her distress, reassured her. She told her that whenever she felt the absence of a brother, she could call upon Laddu Bhaiya (Lord Krishna), and he would be there for her.
On another rainy day, recalling her mother’s comforting words, she called out, “Laddu Bhaiya, come to me!” To her amazement, a boy appeared and walked with her all the way home. From that day forward, Lord Krishna did come to rescue her every time she called him.
My mother instilled the values of spirituality in us since childhood. She encouraged us to tie threads around the wrist of Ladoo Gopal idol before tying them on our cousins.
Throughout my journey, I met many people who called themselves my brother, and for a while, we shared a bond. However, each of these relationships eventually became a source of disappointment and pain. I realized that in choosing these individuals over my spiritual connection with Lord Krishna, I had overlooked the true essence of Laddu Bhaiya’s protection and guidance. This painful experience taught me a valuable lesson: I was falling into the traps of the outside world and neglecting the enduring bond I had with the divine.
Ultimately, Raksha Bandhan is about cherishing protective and caring bonds that enrich our lives, reminding us to stand by each other through all of life’s challenges.