Today is Raksha Bandan and as every year the sister/brother bonds are reinforced in all Indian homes. I have written about it many times and my readers might like to refresh their memories with a quick read here.
In the traditional home, all brothers and sisters lived under one roof till the sister/s got married and went to their husband’s homes. They would however come to the parental home, called Maikey meaning mother’s home every year for this festival to tie the rakhis to brothers and in return get gifts. In some cases, the brothers would visit the residences of the sisters to celebrate too. Modern life however is different from those days when people by and large lived within commuting distance, mostly in the same village/town/city. Now we live in different countries and continents and such observing of the festival and its rites is simply not physically possible.
Every year, without fail, my sister Padimin would send Rakhis to her three elder brothers wherever they may be. Her timing would be impeccable and the rakhi would inevitably arrive a day early to the festival.
Padmini is not getting any younger and shopping for rakhis is not what it used to be. Nor are her brothers getting any younger. All four however are addicted to the computer and follow each other on FaceBook. Modern communication methods, read FaceBook, however has solved the problem for her this year. She simply located this clip from a 1959 film and dedicated it to her three elder brothers.
bhaiya mere, raakhi ke bandhan ko nibhaana
Dear brother, keep up the integrity of the relationship of Raakhi. (sisters tie a thread on her brothers arm on this day pray for his prosperity and health, and the brother takes a vow to always protect the welfare of his sister.)
bhaiya mere, chhoti bahan ko na bhulaana
Dear brother, don’t forget your little sister.
dekho ye naata nibhaanaa, nibhaana
Don’t forget to fulfill the responsiblilites of a brother’s relationship.
bhaiya mere…
ye din ye tyohaar khushi kaa, paavan jaise neer nadi ka
This festive day of Rakhi spreads happiness, pure like the water of the river(ganges).
bhaayi ke ujale maathe pe, bahan lagaae mangal tika
On the bright forehead of the brother, sister put a auspisousl Tikaa(red elongated tilak).
jhuume ye saavan suhaanaa, suhaana
The beautiful monsoon winds are dancing on this day as well.
bhaiya mere…
baandh ke hamane resham dori, tum se vo ummid hai jodi
By tying this silken thread on your arm, I have put all my hopes on you.
naazuk hai jo daant ke jaise, par jivan bhar jaae na todi
It is delicate thread but the relationship is strong to last a life time.
jaane ye saara zamaanaa, zamaana
The whole world knows this.
bhaiya mere…
shaayad vo saavan bhi aae, jo bahana ka rang na laae
That time may come as well, when your sister may not be around.
bahan paraae desh basi ho, agar vo tum tak pahunch na paae
Your sister may be living far away and not able to come to you on this day.
yaad ka deepak jalaanaa, jalaana
Always remember her.
bhaiya mere…