Rakhi- the Indian festival

Today is 15th August 2019 and not only is it Indian Independence day but it’s also the day of Rahki. There are several stories behind the festival.

The story my mother told me

When I was younger my parents told me this story. There was a small kingdom in India which was being invaded. The Queen’s forces were heavily outnumbered. She sent a message to a local neighbouring King with a little band and a message detailing her plight. The message said “I need help, you are my brother please help.” This king was so moved he sent his entire forces which thwarted the invaders but sadly it was too late. The Queen had passed away.

This is why in mid August every year there is the festival of Rakhi named after this lady.

The story from the Mahabharat

The Marabharat is the legendary story of Indian folklore and this video explains it very nicely.

In any event it’s taken very seriously

I am always touched to see this video. This great man shows us how we should all respect women, even if they are not related to us.

The lady who touched my heart

Ms. Z and I chatted online for a while. We spoke on the phone and then a few days later she told me that she was on a coach on her way up to visit me- I hadn’t invited her but hey I thought why not?

When she turned up she asked me a question.

“Are you of Hindu background?”

“Yes” I replied.”

She then gave me the Rakhi band and tied it around my wrist. In case you don’t know-the Rakhi band revolves around a beautiful story as I have stated above.

Anyway I arranged a meal for her and then we decided to go out. As she was getting ready I noticed some bruises on her. She came out to me- she admitted to me that her boyfriend had caught her in bed with a woman; he threw the other woman out and then beat her up.

I asked why she popped up to see me- she said it was because she had to escape him. She’d come out of hospital whilst her boyfriend was at work. She went home and collected a few belongings and then headed out of town- hundreds of miles away where her boyfriend would not know where she was.

Luckily since she had been to hospital all the injuries were medically documented. I encouraged her to press charges against her ex-boyfriend.

It’s now 10 years later she has a normal life but to this day struggles to find a loving boyfriend.

Although I have lost touch with her, she still holds a special place in my heart.

Conclusion

If you have a female relative who you have not seen or spoken to for a while — give her a call. Life is too short to miss out on speaking to those closest to us.