Happy Belated Rakhi

So in the Hindu tradition we have this festival called रखी (Rakhi), which is essentially the way I see it 'Sisters Day'. In the North American society you have Mother's Day and Father's Day, but leave it up to the brownie's to take it one step too far and create a sister's day.

Jugdesh's (The Indian Webster's) defines रखी as; A festival celebrated every year on 'Shravan Purnima' (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), which generally falls in the month of August. On the holy day of Rakhi the sisters tie a sacred piece of thread (Known as Rakhi or 'Raksha-Sutra') on the wrist of their brothers. Then they sweeten each others mouths with delicious and mouth-watering sweets. The festival of Rakhi also includes a tradition of offering gifts to sisters by the brothers.

So I read Jugdesh's definition of रखी and I begin to wonder......why the hell doesn't this make any sense to me!! Being born and raised in Canada by very traditional Indian parents I thought I was getting the sweetest deal, by living in a first world country but still getting the full Bombay treatment with the food, the Hindi school on Saturdays and access and knowledge of all the religious holidays. But for some strange reason that definition is nothing like the रखी I know. That definition seems great for people who probably live in India, but for Mr. Me Too it goes a little different.

I never have to worry about missing रखी because usually 3-4 days prior to, my sister will let us all know that it's on it's way full speed ahead. She also reminds us about the 'offering of gifts', and that if they aren't up to her standards were 'fuckin' dead'. Can you feel the love. And this so called 'sacred piece of thread', I guess Jugdesh is talking about that old zip lock bag in our pantry that's filled with a colorful ball of yarn that stinks like India. However, I'm not gonna lie.....I kinda like wearing the string cause people always ask what the hell it is, and I enjoy telling the meaning behind it. My family might not follow Jugdesh's definition of रखी to a tee, but our version is pretty damn good if you ask me.

तेरे'एस अलोत तो बे सैद अबाउट अ चलें पैर ऑफ़ स्लाक्क्स!

There's alot to be said about a clean pair of slacks!