Though brothers and sisters share and enjoy the bonds
of love between them throughout the year, Rakhi Day is an opportunity for
them to commemorate their loving memories and remember the loyalty,
closeness, trust and friendship that is lasting and true.
This occasion is celebrated on a full moon day in
August by Hindus the world over, and is popularly called Raksha Bandan
(Protection by Bonding) or Rakhi in North India.
Traditionally, on this holy day, the sister ties a
sacred piece of thread on the wrist of her brother to protect him from
evil influence, and factors that may taint his character, as well as to
strengthen the bond of sibling love between them.
She then feeds him with some sweet cakes, and in turn
the brother offers gifts to his sister.
Personally, this is the time for me to reminisce on
what I have learned from my brothers, and to remind myself of what life
would be without them.
With my brother Bill, who is one and half years
older, we had a fun time in our younger days. While our sister Jasmeet was
into gardening, Bill and I were climbing trees, feeding cats, dogs,
rabbits and turtle, all living harmoniously together in the house.
When Bill was learning to drive a car, I nagged him to
let me try, and he did. I was then able to master driving along Sukhumvit
sois at the age of 12, and after that, he taught me to ride a little
motorbike. He also taught us sisters how to swim, right in the Pattaya
sea.
Not the type to show his affection, Bill, on the
contrary, had my attention, as well as mom’s, with my screams from his
twisting my arm.
But no matter how much nastiness he wanted to show, his
love always shone through by always being there to help anyone who needs
his help, family, friends, and even customers, 99% of which become family
friends because of his good nature and sense of humor. His tireless
enthusiasm to explain the general knowledge of the world to me while
growing up, from how planes fly to light year theory, taught me to have an
inquisitive mind to this day.
It was through brother Peter that I learned to
appreciate films and musicals. How could I not, when I had to go with him
to see “Hello Dolly” five times!
He made a samurai star out of me at the age of 12,
starring in home movie “The Duel of Vengeance” that he produced, and
30 years later, I have become a journalist and TV newscaster.
He is a protective brother, but never keeps me from
spreading my wings to fly away.
He taught me to be strong by showing what strength can
achieve. How I must first prove to be self-sufficient to be able to rescue
anybody. Peter’s temper can be a nightmare, but those who know him well,
know that deep down, Peter is a very sensitive person. He cares about his
family, friends, and each and every one of his employees. You go anywhere
with him, and at the end of the evening he would ask, “How are you
getting home? You sure you’ll be ok?”
Peter strives to make better the lives of people;
especially in this province where he feels his contribution is not an
option. He never turns anybody away when it comes to charity and to lend a
helping hand. People say he’s killing himself with his enormous
responsibilities - business and social. Well, I agree! But stopping Peter
from wanting to make a difference in society is like stopping a son who
has made up his mind to join the army to fight for his county.
Finally, for Brother Marlowe, no words would be
enough to express how much I have learned from him. They are love,
respect, compassion, tolerance, giving, forgiving, caring, understanding,
and empathizing. The list is endless.
He can live with two shirts and one pair of trousers in
his wardrobe, but he will give you the last penny in his pocket if you ask
him.
Whether anybody is frustrated with the world, ready to
kill somebody, or crying one’s head off and feeling suicidal, he always
has time to listen, and always calms you down. If you are sick and
complain of any ache, he will always have the remedy. His famous
concoction is the cure-all turmeric in hot milk. Whether we are his
children, sisters, brothers, nephews or nieces, we all revere him as the
wise one, our father.
So today, to each of my brothers, I tie a Rakhi on your
wrist. May the sacred thread protect you all from harm and strengthen our
sibling love forever. To me you are truly “the wind beneath my wings.”
We all are born from two different parental genes that come from four
different grandparental genes. Even our children are half us and half our
spouse, which means, brothers and sisters are basically our soul mates. So
if you have a brother or sister out there, take a moment to show your
appreciation to each other and celebrate this sacred Rakhi Day.
Residents
join in paying respects to HM the Queen.
Mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn lays traditional royal flower garlands at the
base of a big picture of Her Majesty the Queen during the ceremonies.
