video post [The camera flickers on, revealing Pratima freshly returned from Jaipur, skin darker and eyes earthier from her time in the near-desert city. After three claps, her wrists jangling with belled bracelets, she begins to sing one of her favorite childhood songs. Shaking her wrists to allow the bells a rhythm, she sings with joy and happiness.]
Lakadi Ki Kaathi Kaathi Pe Ghoda Ghode Ki Dum Pe Jo Maara Hathauda Dauda Dauda Dauda Ghoda Dum Utha Ke Dauda
[The spirit carries all the way to the end of the song, and when finished, she clears her throat, accent rich.]
I have now returned from India where I was visiting my brothers and my best friend, Dōsta! I have come back here just shy of Raksha Bandhan! This year, the festival holiday of Raksha Bandhan (also Rakhi Purnima) falls on the 2nd of August. It is a holiday where brothers and sisters express their sibling love for each other and the sister ties the rakhi to her brother's wrist as a prayer to ensure his safety and well-being. It also symbolizes the brother's vow to protect the sister.
I have brought some back from India! Give one to your brother on the 2nd of August and be thankful for the bonds of family on this auspicious day. But I think it is okay if you share with your sibling of same sex. I do not want to isolate people. Namastē!