HYDERABAD: The easy stride and air of nonchalance marked most international students as they walked into the hall where Raksha Bandhan celebrations were to take place. The only exception was a small section of Iranian girls, who walked in with an effortless grace, dressed in kaftans of vibrant colours and contrasting beaded jewellery, with their hair braided with strings of yellows and blues. Others were dressed casually as though for an evening get-together. Interacting with them revealed they were all oblivious to the concept of Raksha Bandhan and had joined in only out of curiosity. An inquisitive Purin Wangkiratikant from Thailand, was however, aware of the fact the festival was a celebration of the brother-sister bond. “I am here to know more and its fascinating,” he said. Elizabeth from Germany was visibly amazed after being told about the festival. “We know of Mothers’ day and Fathers’ day but there isn’t anything for brothers and sisters. This is fun,” she remarked. The few, who have been studying in the city for some years, were seen sharing their knowledge and wisdom with those who lacked it. For most others, the designs and colours of the rakhi itself was a reason to be present. Two students from Iran, Ghasem and Alireza were at the hall only to have a rakhi tied on their wrists for flaunting them.Regardless of the reason, the World Organization of Students and Youth, the organisers, had certainly succeeded in bringing together different world communities through the Indian festival.
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