Remembering Rakhi Celebrations in the 90s – A School Story

Raksha Bandhan has always been more than a festival. It is a bond of protection, love, and trust between brothers and sisters. The rakhi thread is not just colourful threads and beads — it’s a promise. A promise that, no matter what, you will stand by each other through every joy and challenge life throws your way. In the 90s, especially in school days, these promises were made with a sincerity that felt unshakable. Words spoken then carried weight. A simple “I’ll always be there for you” was not just for the moment; it was meant for life.

But if you were in school in the 90s, you’ll remember that Raksha Bandhan wasn’t always about just your real siblings. It also carried a unique school twist — one that was equal parts innocent, hilarious, and awkward.

The Great Rakhi Escape

On Rakhi day, something magical — and funny — happened in schools. Suddenly, the corridors looked emptier… at least for some boys. The ones who were usually spotted hanging around their “special friends” during lunch breaks were nowhere to be found. These were the same boys who, on normal days, would offer to carry books, share tiffin, or wait outside classrooms just for a quick chat.

But on Rakhi day? Oh no, they were masters of camouflage! Some would suddenly remember they had urgent cricket practice, others would hide in the library pretending to study for a test that didn’t even exist, and a few would spend the whole day near the school gate “helping” the watchman. Why? Because they lived in the constant fear that their secret crush might come walking over with a rakhi in her hand — and just like that, their dreams would be tied up in a sacred sibling bond for eternity!

It was a lighthearted drama we all witnessed — and perhaps participated in — every August. Friends would tease each other, and the “victims” of rakhi would be teased for years after. It was all in good humour, part of the innocent mischief of school life.

Beyond the Laughter – The True Essence

While these memories make us laugh today, Raksha Bandhan carries a deeper lesson for all of us — one that goes beyond school crushes and teenage drama. This festival is a reminder of the values that hold society together: trust, respect, care, and responsibility. In a world that often moves too fast, the act of tying a rakhi reminds us to slow down and value the human connections we have.

And these bonds need not be limited to brothers and sisters by blood. The promise of protection and respect can, and should, extend to everyone — friends, neighbours, colleagues, and even strangers. When we look at each other as people worthy of care and respect, we start creating a society that is stronger, kinder, and more united.

A Message for Today’s World

In the 90s, Rakhi day in school was both a festival and a fun-filled event. We celebrated it with laughter, shared sweets, and walked home with colourful threads on our wrists. But more importantly, we carried the feeling that someone cared for us — and we cared for them.

Today, in times where relationships are often tested by distance, misunderstandings, and busyness, we can take inspiration from those simpler days. Let us revive the spirit of those lifelong promises. Let us look beyond labels and roles, and instead focus on building trust, offering support, and protecting each other’s dignity.

Because when we stand by each other — not just in words but in actions — we create a society worth passing on to the next generation.