A Kashmiri’s Love Note For His Hindu Sister On Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, the cherished festival that binds siblings in a thread of love and protection, holds a profound significance in my heart this year. Celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan, falling on August 8, 2025, this festival transcends biological ties to embrace chosen family, symbolizing care, loyalty, and mutual growth. For me, Raksha Bandhan is an opportunity to honour my Baji, a woman who became my sister, mentor, and guiding light since our serendipitous meeting in 2023. This is my Rakhi gift to her—a heartfelt tribute to our bond, woven with gratitude and admiration for the extraordinary woman she is.
‘Your Words Have Power; Let Them Flow’
Our story began in 2023 at a book release function, for a mutual friend whose work brought us together in a room filled with literary enthusiasts. Amidst the excitement of the event, I met Rajni Baji, and her presence was like a gentle breeze—calm, warm, and instantly comforting. Her polite demeanor and kind smile sparked an immediate connection, a rare moment of love at first sight—not romantic, but the kind that whispers, “This is my sister.” Though we’ve met only a few times since, our bond has flourished through WhatsApp messages and phone calls, each exchange deepening our connection like pages in a shared story.
Baji is a rare soul—kind, gentle, and a reservoir of knowledge. She carries herself with grace, her words always brimming with wisdom and encouragement. To me, she is more than a sister; she is a teacher, a guide, and the spark that ignited my passion for writing. Before meeting her, words were mere tools, but Baji transformed them into a canvas for my thoughts. I vividly recall sharing a tentative piece of writing with her, my heart racing with self-doubt. Her eyes sparkled as she said, “Your words have power; let them flow.” That moment changed everything. She encouraged me to write, to explore, to express. If my vocabulary bank holds even a few meaningful words today, it is because of her. Baji didn’t just teach me to write; she taught me to believe in my voice.
My Sister, My Mentor
Raksha Bandhan is traditionally about a sister tying a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, symbolizing protection, but with Baji, it’s a mutual promise of support and inspiration. Her guidance shields me from self-doubt, her encouragement protects my dreams, and her wisdom lights my path. In return, I offer her my unwavering loyalty and a commitment to honor her teachings by striving to grow. This Raksha Bandhan, as I imagine tying a Rakhi on her wrist, it’s not just a thread but a garland of gratitude, woven with memories of her kindness and belief in me.
Though our meetings are few, our connection thrives through virtual chats and heartfelt calls. Whether it’s a quick WhatsApp message about a book she recommended or a long conversation about life’s joys and challenges, Baji’s presence is a constant source of comfort. Her knowledge—of literature, human connections, and the art of living—makes every interaction a lesson. She has a unique gift for making you feel valued, seen, and understood, qualities that make her not just a sister but a mentor. Through her, I’ve learned that family is not defined by blood but by shared moments and mutual growth.
This Raksha Bandhan, I celebrate Baji as a woman who embodies the festival’s essence—protection, love, and empowerment. In mythology, stories like Draupadi and Krishna or Rani Karnavati and Humayun highlight bonds that transcend boundaries. Baji mirrors these tales in her own way, protecting my aspirations and nurturing my creativity. In a fast-paced world, her gentle presence reminds me of what truly matters—connection, kindness, and the courage to uplift others. She is my chosen sister, a beacon of light who has transformed my life with her encouragement.
Family Is Defined By Shared Moments and Mutual Growth
As I prepare for Raksha Bandhan 2025, distance may keep us apart, but I envision a virtual Rakhi ceremony. I picture sending her an eco-friendly Rakhi, perhaps made of cotton and seeds, symbolizing the growth she’s fostered in me. Alongside it, I’d include a handwritten note, pouring out my gratitude for her role in my journey. The rituals of aarti, tilak, and sweets may be virtual, but the emotions are real. I’d pray for her happiness, health, and endless wisdom, just as she prays for my success. And, in true sibling spirit, I’d renew my promise to keep writing, to honor the gift she helped me discover.
This is my Rakhi gift to Baji—a selection of words woven with love, gratitude, and admiration. It’s a small token compared to the countless ways she’s enriched my life, but I hope it captures the depth of my feelings. Baji, you are my sister, my muse, and my forever guide. You’ve
taught me that words can build bridges, heal hearts, and create bonds that time and distance cannot break. This Raksha Bandhan, as I celebrate you, I renew my promise to cherish our bond, to learn from your wisdom, and to make you proud with every word I write.
In a world of fleeting connections, our bond is a treasure—a Rakhi that binds us not just for a day but for a lifetime. Happy Raksha Bandhan, Baji. Thank you for being my sister, my teacher, and my inspiration.
(Got a fresh perspective? C-KAR invites original articles and opinion pieces that haven’t been published elsewhere. Send your submissions to deputydirector@c-kar.com)
Iqbal Ahmad Wani is the Editor of Heaven Mail, an English daily and Barwaqt, an Urdu daily. Both are published from Srinagar