RAKSHABANDHAN.. it's all about being connected..

 RAKSHABANDHAN.. it’s all about being connected..

Today is Rakshabandhan.. the festival that celebrates the bond between brother and sister.. the promise that the brother makes to always “be there” for his sister in times of trouble and “protect her” (do her “raksha”) from danger.. Thinking about this particular bond and all kinds of relationships got me thinking..

A bond is basically a connect and something that sort of “ties” people to each other in a positive way.. and that’s why it’s a celebration right? We are surrounded by protection and umpteen people who are “there” for us in times of need.. even though it may not be very obvious to us all the time!

As young children, our parents are our “bodyguards”.. they save us from falling (physical protection) and as we grow up.. from crying (emotional protection) from deprivation (financial protection) and they are solidly “there “ for us no matter what!

Our siblings are our “partners in crime” and our sharers of responsibility and blame (as the case may be).. they are often our loyal co-conspirators and our biggest secret keepers (especially while planning surprises for our parents.. and our biggest defenders and protectors from our parent’s wrath when we are in big trouble!

Times have changed a great deal now and with so many youngsters settling abroad.. our friends have become the family we choose for ourselves.. and they are often also protecting us.. be it from going astray.. acquiring bad habits.. associating with the wrong kind of people.. nursing us through an illness etc..

Rather than feeling compelled to follow rituals and tie a “rakhi”.. “utaaro aarti” and feed mithai simply because it’s the “done thing”.. why can’t we just spend some quality “one on one” time together with everyone who loves us and acknowledge their presence care and concern in so many words?

Do the people who are our protectors really even know what’s happening to us in real life? Do they know about our joys and stresses.. our anxieties and concerns.. our failures and victories? If they matter to us.. the should know.. they need to know.. simply because protection can be a heartfelt prayer.. a bear hug.. a sleepover full of reminiscences and stories..

Protection comes disguised in so many different ways.. it could be a “Call and let me know you reached home safely” or “Surprise! I made your favourite pasta for dinner” or “Today we’re both switching off our mobiles and doing a proper catch up” or “When I was praying this morning, I asked God to bless you especially” or "Haven't heard from you in such a long time.. hope all is well" or even just a “I’m here for you and always will be”..

Recognize the people you share your strongest bonds with.. acknowledge and appreciate them.. love nurture and cherish them.. keep in touch through calls and messages.. and never hesitate to express how you feel.. and above all else..

Remember.. love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay.. because love isn’t love until you give it away!!

Wishing you bonds of caring and sharing.. prayers and protection.. bonhomie and brotherhood.. love and laughter.. today.. tomorrow.. and every day thereafter!!

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