Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a much-awaited festival among children, as they get gifts and chocolates. The festival is a holiday for most schools, though in some schools interested students are invited for Rakhi celebrations. Orissa POST asked a few kids about their Rakhi preparations and expectations.
Sai Abhishek, a student of Class III from Cuttack, said, “Since the last few years, my grandmother has been tying a rakhi on my wrist. On the day of the festival, after I get a rakhi from my grandmother, I visit my aunt’s house accompanied by my parents and that is where the real fun is for me. My cousins tie rakhis on my hand and then we have sweets and chocolates.”
“After the ritual is over, we play indoor games and later go for shopping with my parents. My father buys gifts for all of us. I wait for the day eagerly, but it seems to flash past. I wish Rakhi festival would come once in a month,” said Sai with a smile.
“Rakhi is one of my favourite festivals. My brother Ujwal is four years old and he is so excited from early morning,” said Ritika Rayguru, a Class V student of Xaviers International School, Bhubaneswar. “He asks my mother what he should gift me for Rakhi. My father brings two gifts always. Early in the morning, I tie a rakhi to the God in our home and then tie a rakhi on my brother’s hand. Some of my cousins visit our home that day. This rakhi is going to be more special as my paternal aunt is coming to visit us to celebrate with my family and I am really excited. I have a surprise gift for my brother and I think my parents have planned a surprise for us like every year. I also wait for the special dishes my mother cooks. I love the pithas, sweets and other mouthwatering dishes that she makes.”
Medha Mohapatra, a Class I student of TSG Gurukul in Bhubaneswar, anxiously waits for the Rakhi festival mainly to get gifts from her brothers. She said, “I started celebrating Rakhi last year. My mother had bought a rakhi for me. However, this year I accompanied her to buy rakhis for my brothers. I have three cousins. They live in other towns and hence I send them rakhis through courier service. They have already called me on phone to ask when I am sending them rakhis so that they can send return gifts. Last year, one of my brothers sent me a big box of chocolates. This year Lulu, my cousin in Boudh, has promised me a badminton racket. Besides, I get gifts from my father and that is why I love this festival.”