Swine flu : could following an old custom prevent it?

I had gone out for some work and on my way found many people covering their face with a mask. Not the recommended one, but similar to that. Most of them tied the kerchiefs around their face. The fear of getting infected with swine flu can be felt as you see people carefully covering their nose and mouth when in a crowded place.

While watching this, a thought crossed my mind.... the burkha system of covering the face is really useful and handy here. They are already protected before even we became aware of swine flu.

At times like these, such a custom is blessing in disguise & it had a positive side. Though I do not support this custom personally.

Bandhan of convenience

I was happy to see my brother, who stopped by on his way home. Did the traditional aarti, offered sweets and tied rakhi. Wish my younger bro had come too. Will try by the weekend, he says. Looking forward...... Well, sometimes a festival of convenience.

Raksha Bandhan : now a festival of convenience

Today is Raksha bandhan a special day, when sisters tie rakhi to their brothers. I am looking forward for my brothers, but they are busy as usual in office, and will be free around late evening. Busy working 15 to 18 hrs a day.

Back in my childhood, we had a great time. They too would look forward for this day. Dad gave them some cash to give me when I tied them rakhi. Those days raksha bandhan was a symbol that brothers would protect their sisters and take care of them. The gift was just a gesture of love. Well, now things have changed and its only a festival of convenience.

Over a period of time lot has changed. I realized that boys value such festivals mostly during childhood and then only in their later years when they have settled in their life. In the middle years the relation does not have much value, as they are too busy making their career, money, marriage, children, house etc.

Once settled they realise oh raksha bandhan! ; my sister?
Years pass by and we drift apart, too busy in our lives to notice what the other is doing. Sisters no more look for their brothers to protect them. Life teaches them to live and tackle their problems.

In this busy world, every one is running after money, money and money. They want to make property, bank balance and class/status. Everyone is so busy, nobody wants to stop and think: how much do I need, am I missing something, is this what I actually want.
I hope my brothers value this relation as much as I do.

Happy Raksha bandhan to all of you. Do find time and let your sister know that you value this relation too.