A gifting guide for the new-age Raksha Bandhan celebrations for all kinds of relations that empower us and make us feel safe.

Raksha Bandhan is no longer just about one person 'protecting' another. Like many things today, the festival has evolved into a celebration of love and connection beyond gender norms. There are so many kinds of siblings out there—the fierce one, the peacekeeper, the quirky one, or, like in my case, the one who lives far away. Well, I have a sibling too who is incredibly warm and loving, always spoiling me. We had our fair share of arguments growing up (can you even call yourselves siblings if you didn’t fight?). But today, I cannot imagine starting my day without her. But siblings are not just those related to us by blood. Sometimes, you have a special connection with those who have stepped into the roles of siblings in your life. Whether it's a cousin who feels like a sister, a best friend who's been your partner in crime, or even a mentor who's guided you like a big sister, these relationships hold a significant place in your heart. And sometimes, when you are the ‘only child’, you are your own protector. 

This Raksha Bandhan, Nete pays an ode to the people who have been your chosen family, honouring their unique and irreplaceable roles in your life. Let’s celebrate these connections without any labels—celebrating the unique bond we share with every kind of sibling. Here’s a gifting guide for the ‘different kinds of sisters out there’.

• The Peace Lover: The one responsible for all diplomatic ties in the family. Here are some gifts for the sister who is convinced that world peace is only a cup of chamomile away.

Staplesum

• The Mom 2.0: Always the adult of the house, she's been practising mom moves since day one and seems to know everything. You love her but are secretly terrified of her ‘I know what you did last summer’ moves and wonder if she’s an oracle.

Khara Kapas

• The Twin Flame: She is your brother, your sister, your best friend, your agony aunt, just like you are theirs. Both of you are like two peas in a pod. Here are some ideas that might pay the perfect homage to your twin flame this Rakshabandhan.

With N

• The No Time Zone Sister: Thanks to technology, this sister is never far away, even when she’s halfway across the globe. Your video calls are legendary, and so should her gifts. 

Slomotion

• The Rebel: She always marches to the beat of her own drum, and sometimes (well, most times) starts her own parade. She has always been the trailblazer of the family, unafraid to challenge the status quo. Here are some ideas for the rebel sister.

Rafud

• The Baby of the Family: The spoilt brat (aren’t you the one who spoilt her?). Her playful, energetic, enigmatic personality inspires you to live with courage and conviction. This Rakhi gift the baby of the family something that celebrates who they truly are. Something wild, something vibrant, something polka, maybe?

Raas

• The Only Child? Well, why should siblings have all the fun? You have played the role of the fierce protector, the baby and the adult. This Raksha Bandhan, go ahead and gift yourself a Rakhi without any bandhans.

O'Frida