The city of Brampton will be celebrating its first annual Raksha Bandhan Day after receiving the approval Mayor Susan Fennell on August 21, 2013. While we celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day every year, this is a hallmark moment for the South Asian (Indian) community in Canada.
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is an important Hindu festival in the Indian calendar. Widely celebrated all around the world, it celebrates the brother (shaurya) and sister and cousins (shreya)’s relationship as the sister ties rakhi (a holy thread that is embellished in different colors and designs) on the wrist of her brother’s hand. The brother then offers his sister a gift in return and vows to protect her. He usually presents his sister with a gift of money, clothes such as sari, and the family celebrates with delicious sweets and deserts.
According to Daniel Masih's official website, this holiday initially began when a wife would tie a ‘raksha’ (holy thread) on the wrist of her warrior husband but eventually, the role of the wife and the brother and sister replaced husband over the course of the centuries. The holiday, however, reinforces the familial bond.
Local Toronto Resident Daniel Masih had the vision of the Raksha Bandhan Day because both of them observed that children nowadays spend time on the Internet and video games but are not aware of important holidays that strengthen the bond between the family and their children.
By celebrating this holiday nationally, the younger generations will have an opportunity to learn and grow from this holiday because it will make them appreciate and strengthen bonds not just between their siblings, but will bring the entire family together.
Masih says, “Imagine what it would be like in 10 to 20 years, if we instill these family values in the youths of today. This will not be another “Hallmark Moment”. This holiday will not only have an impact on the youth, but also the adult generation. It will enable siblings to mend broken relationships, and/or build stronger ones.”
He also remarks, “every year when I celebrate Raksha Bandhan with my family, my friends of other ethnicities ask me about the colorful string (Rakhi) that I would have around my wrist. Once I explain to them the significance behind the Rakhi they are always intrigued by the idea, expressing a desire to celebrate the same bond with their own siblings.”
Daniel Masih and Suleiman proactively pursued their vision and approached Mayor Ford. On August 7, 2013, Daniel Masih will be provided with a plaque of recognition from the mayor’s office to officiate the Raksha Bandhan Day.
The official celebrations will begin in a location in Little India in Gerrad Street at the Haandi restaurant on August 21, 2013.
What are your plans for this Raksha Bandhan?
Source: Inside Toronto, Weekly Voice, Raksha Bandhan Day.com
Image Source: Inside Toronto
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