Raksha Bandhan is a heartwarming festival that celebrates the lasting bond between siblings. It transcends borders and evolves, as seen in Arindam’s journey—an exclusive for Different Truths.

In a world brimming with diverse cultures and traditions, the celebration of Raksha Bandhan stands out as a testament to the enduring bond between siblings. This heartwarming festival, deeply rooted in Indian heritage, transcends geographical boundaries and continues to evolve, as I witnessed in my journey.

I found myself in a unique position as the only brother growing up in a home filled with the feminine energy of four sisters. My family’s Bengali home resonated with the significance of “Bhai Phota” or “Bhai Duj,” an occasion that held greater prominence than Raksha Bandhan. However, the cultural influences of Uttar Pradesh gradually seeped into our lives, a domiciled Bengali family at Allahabad (now, Prayagraj), prompting my four sisters, including two cousins (Jartuto-bon or Tauji’s daughters), both elder to me, along with my two younger sisters, to embrace the festivities of Raksha Bandhan alongside Bhai Phota.

The recollection of my teenage years evokes a sense of transition as the tapestry of my family’s traditions expanded to include the threads of Raksha Bandhan. It was during this phase that my sisters began celebrating Raksha Bandhan, a transformation that marked a poignant shift in our familial dynamics.

The narrative took a turn when my pursuit of a journalistic career led me to Bombay (now Mumbai), in 1981. My journey into the city’s vibrant media landscape was complemented by a new role as a paying guest, sharing accommodation with my cartoonist colleague, Vijay Narayan Seth, fondly known as Vinns.

Vinns’ marital ties to Rajyalakshmi, a Telugu Brahmin, demonstrated the festival’s inclusivity, as she warmly embraced me as her younger brother. This beautiful interplay of cultures exemplified the festival’s underlying message of unity and love among siblings.

As time marched on, the digital age ushered in the era of social media, further connecting people across the globe. I, known affectionately and endearingly as “Arindam Da” and even “Anna” to some, found myself surrounded by a virtual sisterhood that spanned geographical borders. Spanning all over the country and overseas, I have over 100 sisters. My belief in the sanctity of sisterly relationships resonated with the sentiment that they are indeed precious!

Two sisters from different corners of India emerged as steadfast companions in my journey to celebrate Raksha Bandhan through the digital realm. Shail Raghuvanshi, hailing from Varanasi and married to Om Prakash Narayan in Chennai, became a cherished sister whose Rakhi reached every year. Dr. Surabhi, a gifted doctor, resident of Allahabad, and head of Surabhi Hospital in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, contributed her thread of love and protection to this bond. Interestingly, I haven’t met either of them in person.

My heart swells with gratitude as I reflect upon the unique relationships I have formed with my virtual sisters, united by the sentiment of Rakhi. The festival, despite being miles away from its traditional roots, continues to transcend time zones and geographical limitations, weaving together a tapestry of emotions that strengthens the power of sibling connections.

In a world where relationships are often defined by blood ties, Raksha Bandhan serves as a poignant reminder that the love and protection siblings provide one another can extend far beyond the bounds of biology. It is a celebration that bridges cultures and generations, reminding us of the profound impact of these relationships on our lives.

My journey from being the only brother in a household of sisters to becoming a cherished brother to a multitude of sisters is a testament to the festival’s enduring significance. It exemplifies how Raksha Bandhan is not merely a ritual, but a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity to form deep and meaningful connections that stand the test of time and distance. As I acknowledge the overwhelming feeling of being blessed with so many sisters, my narrative becomes a microcosm of the larger truth—that the threads of Rakhi are woven with the threads of love, care, and unwavering support.

As Raksha Bandhan approaches each year, my heart resonates with the harmonious blend of cultures that have enriched my life. The amalgamation of Bengali traditions, Uttar Pradesh’s cultural influences, and the inclusivity of Rajyam’s Telugu ties created a beautiful mosaic of my identity. This festival, once confined to the walls of my home, now stretches across the digital landscape, connecting me with kindred spirits who uphold the essence of Rakhi.

While the celebration of Raksha Bandhan might have altered its form over the years, the emotional core remains intact. It’s a reminder that love, protection, and the unbreakable thread of sibling bonds endure, transcending both time and distance.

As I continue to embrace the myriad relationships that Raksha Bandhan has brought into my life, my story resonates as an enduring testament to the festival’s ability to unite, uplift, and celebrate the profound connections that define us as human beings.

Picture design by Anumita Roy

Arindam Roy

Arindam Roy has over four decades of experience in various newsrooms of renowned media houses. He is the Founder, Publishing Director, Editor-in-Chief of Different Truths, and Kavya Kumbh Publishing Consultant (KKPC). He has co-authored ten chapters in six Coffee Table Books (CTBs) of national and international repute and is the sole author of four forthcoming CTBs (Times Group). He has also published four international poetry anthologies as the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, participated in several poetry and literary festivals, and won awards and accolades. Arindam co-authored the novel Rivers Run Back with an American writer. He stays in Bangalore and Prayagraj.

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