Indian expats celebrate 'Raksha Bandhan' in UAE

Dubai - It is also a perfect time to show your sisterly-brotherly affection for someone who is very close to you.

Wherever they go, Indians are particular to keep their traditions alive and celebrating it with all gaiety.
After the Independence Day celebrations, here comes Raksha Bandhan, the one festival which takes every Indian to the unforgettable moments shared with their siblings.
Originally a traditional Hindu festival marked in northern and western India, it has become a secular festival, which is being celebrated in other states and communities in India.
It is also a perfect time to show your sisterly-brotherly affection for someone who is very close to you.
Every year, the Indian community living in UAE also join their counterparts back home to celebrate this age old tradition of sisters tying 'rakhi' (a sacred thread) on their brother's wrist in a special way. Recalling her childhood memories, Drishti Aidasani said she prefers going to temple on the auspicious day. "It was one of the most awaited festivals for me when I was a child. I used to wait for this day as my brother used to give me lots of gifts in return for the rakhi. But now, as we are settled and living in different countries I think it is a wonderful way to strengthen the brother-sister bond and showing respect for each other."
Aidasani, very particular to make her children 11-year-old Ujjwal Aidasani and Divisha (9) understand the importance of the festival, is also looking forward to tie a rakhi for her three-year-old Nathan Fonseca, her cousin who is a Christian.
The upbeat mood is reflected in the markets with shops loaded with sweets and people asking for colourful, designer Rakhis everywhere.
Uday Gupta, manager at Bikanerwala sweet shop in Karama, said: "Every year we see an upward trend in demand for ladoos, gulab jamuns and other Indian sweets on Raksha Bandhan and we also offer customised packs for the special day."
ankita@khaleejtimes.com

When did Raksha Bandhan begin? According to history, the traditional Hindu festival has its origin about 6,000 years back, during the Indus Valley Civilisation. Though the pages of history give us several versions of its origin, the festival has become a significant part of Indian mythology and culture. As per the Hindu tradition, it is a ritual that begins with a prayer, and sisters tie a sacred thread on their brother's wrist to express their love and duty. In return, brothers give presents to their sisters. Over the years, it has become an auspicious occasion to strengthen any brother-sister bond, even if they are not biologically related.