‘I’ll
be there for you’. These are words that are almost ceaselessly shared amongst
friends and loved ones. The Rembrandts released a song in 1994 with those
precise words as its title, which went to become immensely popular as part of
the theme song of popular television show, FRIENDS. Yet, it could easily act as
an anthem for sibling relationships worldwide. From love to bickering, jealousy
to come-uppance, all siblings go through these myriad emotions.
On the
occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the bond between brother and sister is
highlighted. It is a special occasion,
wherein a thread is tied around the wrist called the ‘Rakhi’, which means ‘a
bond of protection’. While traditionally celebrated amongst siblings, the
celebration has in modern times, extended to friends of the opposite sex.
“Though,
I never grew up in a household that celebrated Raksha Bandhan in its true form,
I find that the concept is adorable and tie Rakhis to all my male friends’
wrists. If some of them are away, I mail Rakhis to their postal addresses,” says
Vilma Silva, a Goan residing in Dhobitalao, Mumbai.
Conventionally,
having elder siblings, epically male ones, meant having someone to boss over
you. However, that is not the case any longer. Though ‘brothers’ may feel
protective about their female ‘siblings’, they know where to draw a line. Mukul
Shah from Vasco says “I am older to my best friend by three years and she does
ask for my advice most matters. It is but natural to feel protective when being
introduced to male friends, yet I feel that I must let her be. At the end of
the day, I would not take too kindly to people telling me what I can or cannot
do with regard to my relationships and she deserves the same space.”
Leanne
Pereira from Benaulim explains a trend that has emerged with regard to the
commercialisation of Raksha Bandhan. “To a large extent, it’s not incorrect to
say that friendship bands that are considered ‘fashionable’ or ‘western’ are an
extension of the Rakhi tying tradition. If a girl feels that a given friend of
the opposite sex is interested in her in a manner that she cannot reciprocate,
she in turn can tie him a Rakhi and give the relationship a sisterly twist.
This can be construed as saying, ‘I want to be friends’, while not hurting the
other person’s feelings,” she says.
Irrespective
of the kind of tie shared, the ultimate aim is to create a bond from true
sibling revelry not rivalry; one that remains untouched by negativity. This in
itself is a bigger gift than anything else. As such, this Raksha Bandhan, make
your sibling, biological or otherwise, proud of what you possess.
