Suramya's Blog : Welcome to my crazy life…

This year Rakhi was a lot of fun. I was still in India so I got to meet some of my cousins when they came over to tie rakhi. Usha Buaji (Dad’s sister) was the first on the scene at ~9 am and she was the first one to tie Rakhi for my dad.

Usha Buaji Tyeing Rakhi

Then Rakhi Didi (Yes that is her actual name) and Jijaji (her husband) joined us along with Ria (my Niece) and both Rakhi Didi and Ria tied rakhi. (Ria did it because she wanted to… usually only sisters tie Rakhi).

Rakhi Didi Tyeing Rakhi

Ria Tying Rakhi

During this time Richa had joined us so she also tied Rakhi.

Richa Tying Rakhi

Then we all had some Kheer and talked a bit before everyone left due to other commitments (They have a lot of brothers 😉 ).

At noon Padmini Buaji joined us with her family. She had just moved to Delhi and she was personally tying Rakhi after 28 years (or was it 22 years… ) Usually we were posted at different locations so she had to mail her Rakhi to dad so this was the a big event for her. She got all dressed up and she even made laddu’s and Kheer herself for us. The laddu’s were great. I got to eat three of them, Two of them at once (Courtesy of Neru and Nritia [Sorry if I misspelled the names]) and the third a little later (One each for the both of them and one for Maithili Buaji’s Daughter).

Padmini Buaji Tying Rakhi

Apparently they have a custom in the South where after the girl ties rakhi she then proceeds to touch the brothers feet for blessing. It was a surprise for us because it was the first time we heard of it. But it was also very touching to watch/have someone touch your feet.

Padmini Buaji Touching Dad’s feet

After Buaji her daughters tied rakhi on my hand then they also proceeded to touch my feet. I think I like this custom. Surabhi: The next time you tie rakhi you also have to touch my feet. 😀

Tying Rakhi

Then touching my feet.

Tying Rakhi

and touching my feet.

Was very touching and fun. Unfortunately the rest of my cousins couldn’t make it as some of them were sick, some out of town. When I was a kid I had Rakhi’s all the way up to my shoulders. I think I have a couple of photos of me with all the Rakhi’s but I will have to search for them.

Well this is all for now. Will post more later.

– Suramya

PS: For those of you who don’t know what rakhi is here’s a summary: “Rakhi, commonly called “Raksha Bandhan” is one of the most popular festivals of India. The Rakhi festival is a celebration of the pure and sacred bond between brothers and sisters. ‘Raksha Bandhan’ or ‘Rakhi’ is a very special day for brothers and sisters, when the sister celebrates her emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist of her brother. This thread, which symbolizes love and care, is called the ‘Rakhi’. “Rakhi” means the bond of protection. The Raksha Bandhan festival also connotes a broad significance that the strong must protect the weak from all the evils and dangers. ” (Source: Rakhifestival.com)