by Fr Nelson Mudaliar for BIS Mumbai

At Shelter Don Bosco in Nashik, an institution dedicated to the care and protection of vulnerable boys, the spirit of Rakshabandhan was celebrated on August 19, 2024, with warmth, joy, and a deep sense of community. The festival, which symbolizes the bond between brothers and sisters, took on a special meaning for the boys at Shelter Don Bosco, many of whom come from challenging family backgrounds.

The event was graced by ten Salesian Sisters from Sacred Heart Training Centre (SHTC) - Novitiate community, including six novices and four from the staff, who brought with them not just the tradition of Rakshabandhan, but also an outpouring of love and compassion. The celebration began with a short prayer service, setting a serene and reflective tone for the day. The Sisters provided the boys with information about the significance of Rakshabandhan, emphasizing the importance of the festival in Indian culture.

The atmosphere soon turned lively as the Sisters sang songs and performed a vibrant dance, filling the air with music and joy. The Sisters then performed aarti, a traditional custom, and tied rakhis on the boys’ wrists. This simple act carried immense emotional weight, especially for boys who were missing their own sisters on this special day.

In a touching display of gratitude, the boys at Shelter Don Bosco organized their own program to thank the Sisters. They presented sweets to the Sisters, a small token of their appreciation. Their gratitude was further expressed through songs, energetic dances, and a heartfelt speech. The boys promised their prayers and protection, a commitment to the sisterly bond that had been established through the ceremony. 

Fr. Nelson Mudaliar SDB began the gratitude program with the felicitation of Sr Supriya Noronha FMA, the Novice mistress who had organized the visit. He spoke about the boys' feelings of homesickness during Rakshabandhan, as they longed for the presence of their sisters. The arrival of the Sisters filled this emotional void, offering the boys a sense of familial love and care through the tying of rakhis.

Sr. Jaya Pedthala FMA, Assistant of the novices, addressed the boys with a powerful message about respecting girls and treating them with the same love and care that they would show to their own sisters. Her words resonated deeply, reinforcing the values of respect and kindness that Shelter Don Bosco strives to instil in the boys.

The celebration concluded with a festive lunch, where the boys and the Sisters shared a meal together. The lunch was more than just a meal; it was an opportunity for interaction, bonding, and the creation of cherished memories. The boys and Sisters alike were filled with happiness, their faces reflecting the joy of having come together to celebrate a festival that transcends blood relations.

The Rakshabandhan celebration at Shelter Don Bosco was a testament to the power of love and community. It highlighted the importance of human connections and the profound impact that such gestures of care and affection can have on the lives of those who may be far from their biological families but are embraced by the warmth of a new family at Shelter Don Bosco.