It was the second day of my stay in Delhi when I came to know about a magnificent festival celebrated across the country. As a resemblance to love, this festival shows the bond shared by brother and sister. Fortunately, I was living in my friends house and therefore I was able to observe the rituals closely. Rohit, my friend in India; we both completed our Software Engineering from US and now Rohit was working in one of the premier organization in India.

" Rohit, can you tell me about this festival!" I asked my friend. " Ya ! for sure!" replied my friend. " See, Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival that celebrates the sacred relationship between brother and sister. The festival is celebrated in the months of July-August".

"Try observing Shreya tomorrow, my sister and you will come to know more about the fest" he said. He then took me to market and I was quiet surprised to see that the entire market was filled with bright colored threads. "Okay! now these are called Rakhi!. This thread is tied by the sister on her brother hands with an assurance that he will always be protect full towards her. Moreover this thread will save her brother from any calamity."

I observed that Rakhi were of different shapes and sizes. Some were jazzy, other were multicolored. More over some shops sold silver Rakhi that were amazingly beautiful.

Next morning I observed Shreya, Rohit's sister. She got up early that morning and dressed herself in pink saree. I was quiet astonished as usually Shreya used to get up at around 11 in the morning.

" Hey! it seems you are ready for the party" I asked Shreya. " Ya today its my day!" replied Shreya while she was decorating a plate with flower petals and diyas ( lamps).

With in few minutes Rohit was there dressed up in white shirt and brown pant. Shreya tied thread on his hand and then prayed. him.