Strengthening the brother-sister bond, one Rakhi at a time

PESHAWAR: With drumbeats rolling in the background and worshipers breaking into spiritual dance, the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with religious zeal and spirit at the Kalibari Temple on Thursday.

The festival celebrated every August strengthens the brother-sister bond. The sister ties a Rakhi – a holy thread—on her brother’s wrist and prays for his long life and well being. The brother showers his sister with sweets and presents.

The Hindu community gathered at the temple said that their happiness had doubled because Raksha Bandhan falls in August—a month when Pakistan got its Independence.

“On this day our Mata had tied a Rakhi on her brother’s hand, and she said that on this day every girl will tie Rakhi on her brother’s hand,” a worshiper at the temple explained.

“My sister has paid for my happiness and long life. It’s a special day for me,” a teenager at the temple said.