Today is Raksha Bandhan, a festival in India that celebrates the beautiful bond shared between a brother and sister. On this day, every sister ties a thread, called a ‘Rakhi’, on her brother’s wrist and wishes him a long life, good health, happiness and all that his heart desires. The brother in turn pledges to take care of his sister and be there whenever she needs him.

It is a blessing to have a brother and experience the joy of this bond that you both share. A brother is your partner in growing up. He is the keeper of your secrets and your encyclopedia! He seems to have all the answers. He can sense that you are worried or sad. He understands you like no one else can. You’ve always wanted to be like him, confident and smart.

If your brother is younger to you, you can boss over him. If he is older, he will always behave to be very grown up and worldly wise, even if the age gap between you is only a few years! He will give you the feeling that he knows everything and you will look up to him in awe.

You, the ‘little sister’, will generally be shy and hesitant to try out something new. Your big brother will be brave and will try out all the new things and adventurous activities that you too want to try but are too scared to. In the presence of your brother, you will be filled with immense courage to try out these activities and feel the joy of having overcome the barrier of fear!

When your brother is learning to cycle, you will be his pillion rider, the first one he will want to experiment his driving skills on! He will complain to mother about your being a nuisance in school and ask her not to send you to school with him. He will be angry with you for trying to imitate him. You will have major fights about trivial issues every now and then. Yet, he will be there for you when you are sad or hurt to help you cheer up.

You are always his assistant while playing a prank on someone. This role gave you immense joy and a sense of adventure that is unparalleled. The planning and execution of all such ‘missions’ was filled with intrigue. These ‘missions’ make up a large part of your cherished memories where your brother is your hero and you his accomplice!

As you grow up, distances separate you. Yet, the hearts grow fonder and the bonds grow stronger. He’s helped you become better. He is a pillar of support. He is the one you turn to for advice when you need it the most. He seems to have this magical way of making even the most complicated problems appear simple. He can change your complete outlook towards life. You end up asking yourself why you cannot think like him!

Thank you brother!