BY CLARA A RODRIGUES | NT NETWORK
Our cultures and traditions which are more than a hundred years old always have hidden meanings that in turn define our relationships with others.

The most significant example of this is the festival of Raksha Bandhan which celebrates the bond between a brother and a sister. This is a special relationship where both individuals grow up together and thus it is cherished by both– the brother and the sister.
While conflicts frequently arise between siblings (especially during the growing up years), it is quite interesting to note even these are cherished moments.
“The festival of Raksha Bandan is not only a symbol of the relationship between a brother and a sister, it is a feeling that comes from within. For me, my sister is my mother, father, friend; she means so much. Whatever takes place in our family, we discuss it with each other first” says Bhusan Anvekar, from Guirim,
Skitter Faia, Colva, shares a very special relationship with her brother. “I share a wonderful relationship with my brother, Sean. We generally get along very well as we understand each other quite nicely. It may be also because of the fact that we are two different individuals–he is more calm and an introvert, while I am quite talkative and an extrovert. So, there is no clash of personalities here. However, I also think that it may also be because we had some personal problems when we were growing up so that brought us close, as we were there for each other.”
Sometimes, the bond goes deeper as in the case of Trupti Dhond who states, “My brother actually considers me as his advisor and mentor. Even though we are three sisters, he is more close to me. He is 25 years-old now, and yet he stills asks me for permission to go partying or on a picnic with friends, even though I am married. The bottom line is that he has this need to inform me of all that’s happening in his life–big or small. It may be because of the fact that we have actually grown up together and he looks up to me. I love the feeling and am glad to have a brother like him,” states Trupti.
“My sister is like my friend. She helps and guides me. When I finished my studies, it was my sister who helped me get a job,” confirms Mahesh Gaddi.
There are some who find happiness in the small little things that define their relationship.
“This bond between a brother and a sister is unique. I cannot express it in words. We share a lot. I cannot think of eating a chocolate or something that he likes without him. He knows that I love crabs, and when he goes to the market, he will make that extra effort to buy them for me,” confirms Sulochana Pednekar, project coordinator, Siolim.
Jessica Fernandes from Nuvem likes all the pampering her four brothers shower on her. “My brothers are very protective and caring. And also at the same time they are possessive about me. For them I am still their baby sister. And it’s nice to know that they are there for me. Even my younger brother acts like my elder brother,” adds Jessica.  
“My sister Kimberly means the world to me. I can go across the world for her. She is one among us three boys and is the youngest. She is a spoilt little brat and the boss as well. She orders and gets all her work done on a platter. Even when I am working, she will give me a call and say, ‘Julian, come and pick me up from college.’ She does not wait for a reply as she knows it will be done,” states Julian D’Souza.
It’s not only in good times that they are there for each other. Sometimes, it is the difficult times that draw them together.  Says Ashwari Govenkar, a businesswoman from Porvorim, “I remember the time when my brother fell from the balcony when he was small. He was in a coma for days. Although I was small, I still remember the situation. I love him so much that I fear losing him. We fight but the bond is there. Just now we had a fight and we are not talking to each other. But I will tie him a rakhi. After all it is a day that I wait all year for.”
The same feeling is expressed by Farzana Khan, housewife, “When my brother met with a serious accident, we almost lost him. But, he got another chance to live. That is when I realised his value even more. I celebrate Raksha Bandan every year as I believe that this festival does not have any barriers of religion. On this day, before he goes to work, I tie a rakhi on him and feed him with sweets. In exchange, all I ask for are blessings.”