Rains fail to dampen spirit of Raksha Bandhan

Rains could not dampen the spirit of Delhiites as they celebrated Raksha Bandhan with much fervour and colour, reaffirming the sibling bond.
Scores of women and young girls dressed in all their fineries took to the flooded streets and braved traffic snarls to visit their brothers and tie rakhis (sacred threads) on their wrists, receiving gifts in return.
The sisters prayed for their brothers well being while the brothers in turn promised to protect them.
Markets were abuzz as shops selling colourful rakhis of different shapes were thronged by hundreds, sweet shops making brisk business.
Nine-year-old Shashi, a resident of Mayur Vihar, was on cloud nine after she received several story books from her brother, along with a packet of chocolates. She has been preparing for this festival for the past two weeks. "I get lots of gifts every year and this time too I have got story books and loads of chocolates," she said.

Vasant Kunj resident Charu (name changed) got the most special gift of her life from her brother.

The siblings were at loggerheads over her relationship with a youth, but today she was pleasantly surprised when her brother gave his approval to her marriage with the youth.
"What could have been a better gift than this. My brother has given the most special gift of my life," Charu said as tears swelled in her eyes.
Budari resident Kanak's brother came all the way from Pune for the occasion. Kanak has made a series of plans for the day which includes having lunch at a hotel, buying clothes and then going for a movie.

As for Kusum, her brother, who is in the Army and is posted in Kashmir, had sent a nice dress. "I had sent him a rakhi via courier two days earlier. We spoke over the phone. I prayed for his long life," she said.