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Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a beautiful and heartfelt annual Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is normally observed in August and holds deep cultural and emotional significance. Raksha meaning protection and Bandhan meaning bond. During the ceremony, a sister ties a thread (Rakhi) usually made of red or yellow thread on her brother's right wrist as a symbol of mutual love and protection.

Raksha Bandhan starts from the first year of a sibling's birth and carries on throughout their shared lives. From formative years to teens, siblings may live together and therefore may be in the same home to perform the ceremony. When a sibling moves away from the family home, the tradition of coming together to tie the sacred thread continues.

At Sands, we understand that Raksha Bandhan can be really hard for siblings who cannot celebrate the festival in its traditional form, and for a bereaved parent, celebration can intensify the grief as they long for their sibling and a special bond that Rakhi represents throughout the years.

We want you to know that we are here for you. While we know some families may have developed their own ways of celebrating Raksha Bandhan following the loss of a baby, we're creating a space that may help to mark the occasion in a meaningful way, no matter how long ago you lost your baby or your sibling. 

memory box bear with two Rakhis

Honour a sibling and share your dedication today

Siblings share a bond that begins before words, before memories - one that stays forever.

This Raksha Bandhan, we want to honour all the brothers and sisters not here with us today. Leave a dedication and share a picture of your special Rakhi in honour of your sibling ♥
Dedicate in honour of a sibling today
A group of people gathered together holding up letters that spell out thank you

Donate to Sands for Raksha Bandhan

Donate in honour of a much-loved sibling today and help support more bereaved families.

Your support also helps create tools and training for professionals to ensure families get the care they need, and save babies' lives through research, training and campaigning.

Whether a one-off donation or a regular gift, your support is invaluable and we couldn't do it without you. Thank you so much ♥
Donate to Sands
A group of siblings sat together on the floor looking through a Sands Muslim Care Box

Support for siblings

Our resources provides parents and teachers with helpful advice and guidance on how to begin conversations with siblings of all ages about pregnancy or baby loss.

You will also find some suggested activities for children to remember their baby brother or sister and express how they feel.
Support for siblings
A group of bereaved South Asian mothers sat around a table talking

Support for South Asian communities

We recognise the need for greater engagement and tailored support for South Asian parents, family members and others. That is why we have created these dedicated safe and confidential spaces for anybody who has been impacted or touched by pregnancy or baby loss.
Support for you
image of red and yellow rakhi

Our special Rakhis

Read about Knit your Socks Off, a volunteer group who have kindly knitted the Rakhis for our Forever Tied in Love campaign.
Find out more
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Q&A

If you have a question about our Forever Tied in Love campaign, your Rakhi or something else, check out our Q&A section to find out more.
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A selection of cakes and biscuits made for a Bake for Sands fundraiser

Get involved

There are lots of ways for you to get involved and support us - from volunteering at an event, to campaigning for better services. Find out all the different ways you can organise your own event to raise funds and support Sands, and offers tips and tools to help you.
Find out more
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