From Riyadh to Dubai, NRIs keep Raksha Bandhan traditions alive

For NRIs living across the Gulf, Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated through couriered Rakhis, online orders and video calls. Community organisations and Indian diplomatic missions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai also marked the festival, highlighting bonds that transcend geographical distance

By Gulf Correspondent

Dubai: For siblings separated by countries because of employment and busy lives, Raksha Bandhan no longer looks the way it did in childhood. Yet, the tradition continues to find its way into their lives through technology. While it cannot replace the warmth of being together with family, it continues to reflect the strength of the sibling bond.

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For NRIs, Raksha Bandhan is increasingly becoming a celebration of love carried through courier packets, online orders and phone screens — a festival where technology helps bridge the distance between brothers and sisters.

Sudha Loke, a housewife, said what she missed most about the festival was the playful fight with her brothers over gifts. She said the ritual had not disappeared but had simply changed with distance.

A resident of Riyadh and an active member of the Telugu community, Sudha continues not only to celebrate Raksha Bandhan but also to emphasise its significance and promote its message among other community members.

“Brotherhood is the main theme of Raksha Bandhan, which SATA, a Telugu community organisation, promotes in Saudi Arabia among members of the Telugu diaspora, irrespective of caste or creed,” Sudha said.

She said she explained the significance of the sacred Rakhi thread to several members of the Indian community during a recently held cricket match in Riyadh, where she tied Rakhis to community members, including Indian diplomat Y.M. Sabir.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with the same warmth and excitement whether families are in India or living abroad, said Sindhu Pabbati, another woman activist who has also promoted the festival.

Though she has no siblings, being the only child of her parents, Sindhu said she considers every Telugu NRI committed to the betterment of society as her brother.

Indian diplomatic missions in the region also celebrated the festival. In Riyadh, the Embassy, along with some NRIs and members of the Brahma Kumaris, celebrated Raksha Bandhan, with Brahma Kumaris tying sacred Rakhis to Ambassador Vipul.

In Jeddah, a large delegation visited the Consulate General and tied Rakhis to Consul General Fahad Khan Suri.

In Dubai, members of the Rajyoga Centre tied Rakhis to Consul General E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, while Brahma Kumaris members tied Rakhis to Ambassador Deepak Mittal.