Ahmedabad: As Rakshabandhan celebrations get underway, families and organisations across the city have planned events to mark the festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.For an Ahmedabad family, the occasion has become a long-standing tradition. Kshitij Thakore, a resident of Pritamnagar Society, said members of the Thakore family, also known as the Satimata Group, have been celebrating Rakshabandhan together under one roof for the past 24 years.“More than 50 members from over 20 Thakore families celebrate Rakshabandhan together every year. The entire event is organised by Soumila Haren Desai and Prashant Desai. The celebration sees participation from all age groups, from eight-month-old Viaan Desai to 75-year-old Kshitij Thakore,” he said. Family members from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Mumbai are expected to attend this year’s gathering.Several organisations in the city are also extending the festivities to different sections of society, including senior citizens, police personnel and children at observation homes.“Today, the SHE team of Ahmedabad city police visited Jeevan Sandhya Vruddhashram in Naranpura and tied rakhis to senior citizens. We will continue the celebrations on Friday with rakhis and sweets,” said trustee Suketu Nagarvadiya.The festival will also be used to promote road safety awareness. Some city-based NGOs plan to tie rakhis to commuters on Friday while spreading messages on safe driving and responsible road use.Across Ahmedabad, families will celebrate the occasion in the traditional manner, with sisters tying rakhis to their brothers and exchanging sweets and gifts.
