Venkat Raman
South Indians generally ignore ‘Raksha Bandhan,’ a predominantly North Indian festival which glorifies fraternal relationship.
The ‘rakhi’ that adorns most Hindu wrists in many parts of the country is conspicuous by its absence in the four Southern states, although some families, with the ‘northern influence’ practice the custom.
The absence of Raskha Bandhan does not mean the sister-brother bond is absent.
In fact it is glorified in history, on the silver screen and in the modern society as well.
Diwali Event
South Indians quantify the sentiment on a number of occasions, the most outstanding of which is Diwali.
There is little anecdotal evidence for such an expression of sister-brother love in the ancient epics and teachings of Indian sacred books.
A mention of Draupathi (the wife of the Pandavas) accepting Lord Krishna as her brother and the latter’s vow to protect her at all times is described as a sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
It was customary for a brother to officially invite his sister/s home (again it was customary for all sons to live under roof with their parents) to celebrate Diwali.
Such invitations could be written, oral or considered automatic.
A brother would visit his sister to accompany her home for the festival along with her children. The man’s brother-in-law would follow later.
It was also considered a duty of a brother to meet the travel and other costs of his sister, brother-in-law and their children. They would be expected to remain as guests for about ten days, receive gifts which would include new clothes, jewellery and other items.
Age does not enter the equation and passage of time did not mean erosion of the system.
But the habit has begun to wane in India.
Nucleus units celebrate
With the virtual breakdown of the Joint Hindu Family Unit, an increasing number of parents live alone and therefore unable to sustain the rising costs of hosting their daughters to celebrate Diwali.
In addition, more and more individuals prefer to celebrate Diwali among themselves than with the immediate or extended family.
All of which may appear to have changed the practice of Diwali.
But the spirit of Diwali lives on.
Greetings are exchanged over the Internet and in an era of online services, gifts are ordered for delivery anywhere on earth.
Said an Aucklander: “I can see my sister in Holland and chat with her any time through Internet and order any gift delivered at her doorstep. Seeing people and talking to them has never been easier.”
