A country like India which is full of cultural heritages celebrates all festivals with so much joy and cheerfulness. Be it the festival of colors 'Holi' or the holy month of fasting 'Ramadan', India has so many occasions to show its inclusiveness. Raksha+Bandhan (A tie of protection) is a festival for the brother-sister relationship celebrated by Hindus. Where the sister ties a colorful designer thread(Rakhi) in the hand of her brother and the brother vows to protect her come what may.
This sounds cute and lovely but the reality is a bit different.
Rakshabandhan can be celebrated to show love among siblings, brothers to sisters, sisters to sisters, and brothers to brothers. But the tradition which allows a brother to take command over his sisters in the name of protection is inherently patriarchal. This is the time to bring change and ask your brother for these things as gifts.
Let me walk alone after 7 pm
The underlying idea of brothers protecting sisters has made men extra protective, which is toxic. Ask your brother to not chase you wherever you go. You are smart enough to figure your way out and it creeps you when they ask you to avoid going out after 7 pm.
Do not call frequently when I am at a party
Why do parents and brothers start to think negatively when their girl is out for a party? They annoy you by calling over and over asking when are you leaving, should they come to pick you up?
Tell your brother that it is not his job to verify the place before you go to the party at. You are a grown person and you will tell him whenever you need.
You don't get to choose my friends & You are not a Judge
We often have heard our brothers talking mean about our friends. Calling them 'attention seeker', 'not good for you', and 'spoiled daughter of a rich father'. Tell him to not be sexist and Looks do not tell about people.
I can bring my male friends home
Your brother bringing his whole gang home is okay for your parents, where you serve them snacks and clean after they leave. But how they roll their eyes hearing you want to bring your male friends home. Ask your brother to help you bring this change or better keep his vows himself.
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