As India celebrates Raksha Bandhan tomorrow, a quiet revolution is reshaping this ancient festival celebrating sibling bonds. The concept of “chosen family’ is gaining momentum and is becoming widespread across India.
Recent statistics testify this concept. A 2023 survey by the Indian Journal of Social Relations found that 38% of young urban Indians now include non-blood relations in their Raksha Bandhan celebrations. “With a focus on emotional well-being, youngsters are now changing the narrative of siblings” reported a sociologist at Delhi University.
With the rise of the working-class population in India, many people form close bonds with their office colleagues that turn into family members. Anita Reddy, a software engineer in Bangalore, embodies this change. She quotes “My brother lives in Canada and is unable to visit me during Rakhi. Since the past 3 years, I have been tying Rakhi to Roshan, my office colleague, who has provided an unwavering support for me in this journey”. Many are embracing local connections.
Rahul, a tech-consultant in Australia, notes “I miss my sister every Rakhabandhan. Travelling becomes a hassle during this time. I end up video-calling her to celebrate the festival. I have found a Rakhi sister here who ties a Rakhi to me on my sister’s behalf”.
Mental-health specialist, Dr.Aparna, notes that people who have had estranged family relationships find “chosen family members” to be extremely therapeutic. Many universities and societies now host Raksha Bandhan events where friends tie rakhis on each other regardless of gender, race or background.
At its core, Rakhi is about protection but over the years, the concept has undergone a fundamental shift. Today, protection is more about supporting each other’s dreams; standing against injustice and being there at all times especially “emotional availability”
This Raksha Bandhan, as the threads of rakhis are tied, remember: family is not just about who you're born to, but who you choose to walk beside. In the end, it's not the thread on your wrist that matters, but the bonds in your heart.
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