Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Raksha Bandan in Fiji


Raksha Bandan is an Indian custom for siblings to recognize and value each other. It’s held in late July or early August. The Fiji Times last week had numerous advertisements for people in Fiji to buy mobile phones, jewellery, clothing, for their loved ones.

The main emphasis however is for a sister to give her brother a bracelet, to tie on the rakhi made of thread around her brother’s right wrist usually with flowers attached. Then the brother gives his sister gifts, sweets, or money. The idea is that the brother is her protector.

In recent years the sentiment has extended outside the family to friends, irrespective of religion or ethnic group. Now wouldn’t that be nice in Fiji!

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