Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS) Absolutely thrilled with his rakhi which had a superman motif, five-year-old Sid couldn’t stop looking at his wrist time and again, even as his elder sister patiently looked on. Finally, he looked up and with a big grin gifted her a pack of chocolates.

Celebrating and reaffirming the sibling bond where sisters tie a decorated thread, or rakhi on their brothers’ wrist, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated Saturday with much gaiety and colour in the capital.

The festival symobolises mutual trust between siblings, with a sister praying for the lifelong well-being of her brother who in turn vows to protect her.

“I love this festival… my brother is my superman! And I also look forward to the gifts,” said Maya, all of seven, as Sid looked on. Having been done with the ceremony, the kids were on their way to their grandparents’ home with their mother in the metro.

Since early in the day, young girls and women were seen dressed up in all their fineries, with their hands decorated with intricate motifs in henna.

Rakesh Sharma, a young PR executive who reached Delhi early in the day from Agra to meet his young sister, said he would not miss celebrating this festival with her for anything.

“We may keep arguing over the silliest of things… but when the need arises, we always stand up for each other. My sister is a year younger to me, but I sometimes feel like an overprotective father to her,” Sharma laughed.

“After she ties me the rakhi, we will go to some mall for some shopping — she can splurge her heart out!” he added.

For those who could not be with their siblings on this day, mails and phone calls started pouring since early in the day.

Said Richa Jaitley: “My brother is abroad in connection with his work, so I posted him a rakhi. He called me early in the morning to say that my gift is on its way! I miss him, but we will make up for it when he returns.”