By Alfred Menezes SDB for BIS Mumbai

Shelter Don Bosco came alive with colour, warmth, and festivity as the youth and staff celebrated Raksha Bandhan on August 9, 2025. The annual event, deeply rooted in the values of love, protection, and unity, brought together the Shelter community in a joyful atmosphere of togetherness.

The celebrations began with the boys assembling for a serene prayer service, led by Mrs. Kalpana, setting a reflective and heartfelt tone for the event. Following the prayers, a video was screened for the youth explaining the how Raksha Bandhan came into being and the story behind it. Following this, Mrs. Kalpana highlighted the importance of Raksha Bandhan explaining how the festival, traditionally symbolising the bond between brothers and sisters, also extends to relationships of care, trust, and responsibility within the wider community.

The much-awaited Rakhi tying ceremony saw the female staff members and volunteers tying rakhis to the boys, symbolising their role as protectors and supporters of one another. The boys reciprocated with smiles, blessings, and warm wishes, reinforcing the shelter’s spirit of mutual care. Each boy received a rakhi tied by one staff member, along with a portion of sweets. This was a deeply touching moment, which brought up a lot of emotions in both the youth and the staff.

After the rakhis were tied, Mrs Shabra organised a couple of fun games for the youth. Everyone participated and enjoyed playing the energetic and fun games. After the games the youth and staff came together for music, dance, and laughter, making the hall resonate with energy. This informal celebration allowed everyone to relax, bond, and express themselves freely.

Speaking about the event, one of the staff members remarked, “Raksha Bandhan here is not just about tradition—it’s about family. For many of our boys, Shelter is their family, and this celebration reminds them they are loved and cared for.”

The event ended with laughter, sweet treats, and the warm glow of shared connections. For the youth of Shelter Don Bosco, this celebration of Raksha Bandhan was more than a festival—it was a reaffirmation that family is not only about blood relations, but also about the bonds nurtured through compassion, respect, and love.

The celebration stood as a reminder that in this shelter, every bond is cherished and every individual valued, making Raksha Bandhan a truly memorable occasion for Shelter Don Bosco.