Readers from Ghana to US have sent photographs of Rakhi celebrations with their brothers and sisters.

Rasik Arun Girme offers a pic of an American Raksha Bandhan.

He says: I have been lucky enough all these years to be in Mumbai on Raksha Bandhan with my sisters Kasturi and Aparna.

This year I had to take a business trip to Orlando, Florida, to meet clients. When I left the Mumbai in the first week of August I was disappointed about missing this most cherished of festivals.

My sister called on the morning of Raksha Bandhan and told me how much the family missed me. I was unable to express myself to her. I wanted to tell her how much I was missing the Indian festive atmosphere and tears rolled down my cheeks.

She told me that she had secretly packed a rakhi into my suitcase because she knew I would miss this special day. My family is a great believer in capturing moments and they have thousands of photos from our childhood days of every festival.

When I opened the pouch, which my sister sebt, I found a rakhi and a pic of a Rakhi celebration from our childhood.

I thought about how unlucky I was with rakhi in my bag but no sisters around. But Fate had some different thoughts. During this business visit, I made some very close friends and I requested them to tie a rakhi on my wrist.

They were very excited with the concept of this festival and were curious to know more about the origin and the the historical/mythological meaning of it. We had a great time in the office while I shared sweets with everybody and I explained to them what Raksha Bandhan is

Folks in the US are fascinated with our deep family ties. I thank God I was in this part of the world for Raksha Bandhan. Though I was 10,000 miles away from Mother India and missing my Indian friends and family I realised the meaning of the festival.

My mom's philosophy comes to my mind: Sometimes not getting what you want and not being where you need to be is a wonderful stroke of luck.

When I look at this photograph I know I will cherish this moment.

Do you have a photograph of your Rakhi celebrations you would like to send in?

Also read: Rakhi special

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