Let's Not Celebrate Rakshabandhan!

Pooja S. Banerjee

     Let's celebrate 'Snehbandhan,' not 'Rakshabandhan.'

Since childhood we have been celebrating the festival of rakshabandhan with a lot of enthusiasm, gusto and expectations! Yes, most of all expectations. A myriad of anticipations from the brother and lots of expectations from the sister. Yes, gender differences existed then also.

 

But, do we expect our brothers to protect us? To save us from the evil? I don't think so. For me, the festival of tying a thread is simply a tradition that strengthens the bond of love, affection, hope and trust. It marks a day when we will try our best to take out some time from our busy schedules and spend happy, quality time with each other. In today's context, if the brother and sister can take out time for each other, be there when the other is going through a low phase and simply lend a supporting shoulder to each other, the vows and traditions of Rakshabandhan will be more than fulfilled.

 

Women throughout history have been proving themselves and overcoming challenges on their own. When standing in the face of adversity, we don't wait for our brothers to come to our rescue. But we do hope, that our brothers will be there to shower us with love, affection, trust and support. Sometimes, being there for the sister or even a female friend is all the protection they are required to give.

 

And, the last point, just because the brothers lend the wrist on which the sisters tie the thread, does not make them superior in any way. It is just a tradition, set forth by a female!

 

So siblings, buy a rakhi, tie the thread mutually and make a promise to be there for her through thick and thin. Sisters ensure your brothers are there not to protect you, but to share laughter, secrets, aspirations and ambitions with you. And when the need arises, you are assured there is one door which is open for you 24*7.

 

Next Rakhi; celebrate 'Snehbandhan' not 'Rakshabandhan.'

'Neither a Diva, Nor a Devi'

Seema Mehrotra

 

 

With the onslaught of social media, you often see sanctimonious posts/quotes/images urging to do good without expecting anything in return. Oh, the self-sacrificing mother and wife or the saintly father and family-man! But why? Wouldn't a little gratitude in return be nice? Eventually, the spring of human kindness dries up if it's not reciprocated. To be honest, I am not that noble. I want to be somewhere between a Diva and a Devi. I want my loved ones (especially my children) to be appreciative, not entitled. The idea to be an unsung hero is beyond me; I want to be sung. Just saying.....an ode, a ballad, or even a haiku would be nice. 

What do you think? Voice your opinions in the comment box!

What's it all about? Melange of Musings!

Pooja S. Banerjee

Once in a while, when you sit down quietly, there are so many thoughts surfacing, diving deep down, resurfacing and eventually becoming random musings! Sometimes, you wish you could share it with others. May be a random thought could provoke action somewhere else, may be a random thought could become inspiration for someone else or may be a random thought could be just food for thought in some far off place.

So, lets start sharing those random musings. You can share anything and absolutely everything (just don't bash anyone)! On a lighter note, let that writer come out from the deep recesses of your heart and mind and jot down something to share with others.

Spread love, spread awareness, spread ideas, and spread thoughts!

P.S. Anyone who wants to write, please contact me here; tak2puja@gmail.com

Gift an idea to your child

Pooja S. Banerjee

Don’t you wish you could take a single childhood memory and blow it up into a bubble and live inside it forever?
Sarah Addison Allen

The moment I read about this contest, I started spiraling down the memory lane at a breathtaking speed. Oh! And en route my journey to my most beautiful moment and place; beautiful scenes and enchanting souls kept passing me by. I was happy; staring at nothingness till my 3 year old daughter shook me up.

If I list down things I wish she could have from my childhood, I can go on and on about clear blue skies, chirping of birds in the morning and then again at dusk, rainbows, playing in the puddles, endlessly playing Ludo/snakes & ladders in a loop, eating junk food like candy floss or popsicles from the notorious "feriwala," playing in a huge group of children, living with so many people at home...the list is never ending.

If I have to single out one thing from my childhood that I wish my daughter gets to experience, it is being creatively social. Sounds strange?

Well, in our childhood, during special occasions such as New Year, festivals or teacher's day, we used to make handmade cards or small trinkets for close friends, families, relatives and teachers. These were then delivered personally to everyone and mind you, we used to go in large groups. So aunties, didis and parents of friends used to wait for our "toli" and treated us with special delicacies, chocolates and even gifts. Not only the build up to the D-day was exciting, but it was fun to sit with our mums or a most trusted aide and create something unique because we had to come up with the best idea and handicraft. The love and appreciation we got in return was priceless.

 

So those who know me will now understand my habit or rather need for adding that personal touch or making a tiny effort to create something for their special days. It’s a habit and an idea ingrained in me since my childhood.

 

Why do I think it's important for my child? Well, this small activity is very meaningful for a child. It stimulates their cognitive abilities and creative minds, teaches them to be a team player, and generates healthy competition. Most importantly it teaches them that festivals and special occasions are days which you should celebrate with your loved ones, do something to make them happy and above all spread love.

 

Because, at the end of the day it’s all about love, hope and life! Happy parenting and happy reminiscing :)