I AM THERE FOR YOU

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi, is a Hindu festival centred around the tying of a thread or ornamental bracelet on the right wrist as a form of bond and ritual protection between brother and sister. The day signifies the mutual bond of love between siblings. On the 26^th of August, 2018, a group of volunteers visited Bosco Boys Home, Borivali on this sacred occasion of Rakshabandhan.

Amid the sound of light instrumentals and a prayerful atmosphere, the volunters one by one began to apply tilak to the forehead of the boys and to tie the sacred thread of Rakhi to the wrist of the boys and did arati praying for their good health and long life. One of the volunteers explained, “This thread, represents love and sublime sentiments, is called the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ which means ‘a bond of protection’.” Keeping the tradition of the brother offering a gift to his sister and vows to look after her. The boys prayed for the volunteers. Sevak one of the boy said, “My sister stays in Kalyan and has not come but I am happy that these volunteers have come. I can feel the love of my sister in them and I want to say to them that I am always there for you and praying for you. ”

After the ceremony of tying the Rakhi, the volunteers took a session for the boys in which they explained to the boys that the festival of Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) conveys an intrinsic message along with symbolizing the unmatched bond of love, care and respect and of universal brotherhood and sisterhood. It conveys a message that has socio spiritual significance underscoring the need for nurturing of positive qualities, purity in thought, word and deed.

The Rector of the BBH, Fr. Corlis Gonsalves said, “Tying Rakhi is a wonderful way of expressing warmth, and is a celebration of the chaste bond of love amongst the siblings.” The boys at BBH were very happy and appreciated this gesture of love by their beloved sisters!