Raksha Bandhan is special to Joshua Dinati this year because he celebrates the occasion for the first time. Joshua said he felt emotional when his workmate tied a rakhi (protection thread) around his wrist yesterday.

He wished to celebrate this occasion.

“I started working at Jacks of Fiji last year and I used to see how sisters did shopping for their brothers. They used to focus on every detail which included the type of rakhi the brother would like, to the type of gifts for them,” he said.

“Sisters really are wonderful and a blessing because they love and care for their brothers, I knew being tied with a rakhi really had a sweet meaning to it.

I did wish I had the chance to celebrate this,” he said.

Joshua expressed his excitement when his work mate Praveena approached him to tie a rakhi on his wrist.

“This is the first time someone has tied a rakhi on my wrist, it really felt special. I’m glad I found such workmates who believe that we are there to protect and care for them.

I am really excited to share this beautiful experience with my family,” he said.

Praveena Devi, 30, believes raksha bandhan can be celebrated with anyone who they consider safe with and cared for. She has been working at Jacks of Fiji since 2017 and shares a familiar bonding with the staff.

“I feel happy to celebrate raksha bandhan with Joshua, although I tie my little brother a rakhi every year, I’m lucky to have found someone at work who cares for me and I know he’ll be there whenever I need him,” she said.

History of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals in the year. Females secure a sacred thread, which is referred to as rakhi, tied to their protector’s right wrist. The thread is a symbol of protection and security.

It is believed that when a female ties a rakhi around the hand of their brother or anyone that she feels protected by and cared for, it becomes obligatory for them to honour their religious duty and protect her.

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