Unique Raksha Bandhan Celebration At Old Age Home In Odisha Capital

Bhubaneswar: Raksha Bandhan celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters.

The festival, which stands for a promise of lifelong protection, was celebrated in an unique fashion in an old age home in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

Rakhi means ‘Knot of Protection’ and it was tied on the wrists of the old men at the old age home, Patita Udhara Samiti.

“For years we have been celebrating Raksha Bandhan with them and they have become one family now. The old women and other female members tied Rakhis to the old men here,” said Patita Udhar Samiti president Abharani Choudhury.

“We feel very happy seeing their happy and joyful faces,” she added.

Raksha Bandhan was celebrated at the old age home in a traditional way. The hall was decorated nicely. The entrances too were decked with flowers.

A special thali containing rice grains, sweets, diyas, tika, sandalwood paste was used for the ceremony. Around 30 women then tied rakhis to the inmates.

Some of the old men cried tears of joy and happiness.

“Though we have our own sisters, these women treat us like brothers and take care of us. On this auspicious occasion, I am feeling like as I am in my own home now,” said 80-year-old Ugrasen Chhau.

“I had two sons but for their torture, I was forced to come here. Now, I have a family of my own,” he added.

Near about 30 women and 20 old men, aged between 30 and 80, are now living in the old age home.