Rakshbandhan

I

f you are one among those who have read my first blog post (Click Here), or if you are reading this, you would be knowing that I feel sad and bad that I don’t have an elder brother. Yes, I don’t yearn for a sibling or a brother; but for a big brother (anna).

The reality of not having anna will be felt more on a day like today – The Rakshbandhan Day! For those who don’t know, on this day, in India, sisters pray for the well-being of their brother (both young and older) and tie a string called Rakhi. Sadly, I don’t have a brother of my own. I agree that I have two cousins to whom I send rakhi every year; a ritual practiced over a decade now. Yet, I still wish (always will) that I had an older brother.

Whenever I say this, some people say I am just being over-dramatic and over-complaining. Some say that it is better not to have one.

So, here I am giving the reasons behind why I pine for anna!

©       To have somebody at home who is relatively of my age

It would be like having a friend at home! We can chat about almost anything and everything. There will be someone (always) to listen to my rants and cribs. I would never feel alone.

©       To spoil me

You heard me right. He would surprise me with gifts and pamper me with love. I would be cuddled. Oh! I would be his puppy and he my teddy-bear!

©       To roam around

Imagine! Because I am going out with my anna, my parents need not worry about my safety. So, together, we can explore places, watch late night movies and have lots of fun. Share a peg and fag too, you never know!

©       To have a trusted confidante for life

I will always have someone at home with whom I can share all my problems and fears. He would always be there to guide me and rescue me in case of turmoil.

©       To tie rakhi

OK, this is also one of the most important reasons.

Do you know how that Lord Ganesha’s sons Shubh and Labh were sad that their father had a sister to tie rakhi and not them? Seeing their plight, Lord Ganesha created Santhoshi Ma from divine flames and thus, the twins got a sister to tie them rakhi.

As a child, my ammaji used to narrate this story and I always used to hope that my anna would also emerge soon, if not from flames from sky at least. As a little girl, little did I know that it is humanly impossible!

©       To make Karthikai deepam more meaningful (To know more)

Karthikai Vilakku is an occasion where sisters pray for the health and prosperity of their brothers. While Rakhi is followed in North India, this is observed in the South. And, I frown on every Karthikai deepam and never really enjoy it. Come on, I don’t have a brother. Why should I?

©       To have a family for life

Anna would be the only source of “my” family for life. He would be the only person during my old age who could rekindle the child within me.

©       To be the big brother on my wedding

I am a Palakkad Iyer. In our weddings brothers have a significant role to play. But, I don’t have one L

©       To spoil my kids

Yes, that is the role of a mama (uncle). He would spoil my kids. Jokes apart, traditionally, mama’s role is very significant from their birth to marriage.

I can go on forever. To sum up, for any girl, father is the hero. And, brother will be her first friend.

And, while I love my father. I will always miss my brother.

Anna, I wish you were born!

PS: All the girls out there with bog brothers, I envy you!