Raksha Bandhan special: Rajasthan auto-driver provides free rides to women in memory of late sister

Dhanraj Dadhich, an auto-driver from Jodhpur, has been providing free rides to women on Raksha Bandhan for the past seven years, in memory of his sister, who passed away 22 years ago.

Jodhpur (Rajasthan): Jodhpur (Rajasthan): A rickshaw driver in Rajasthan celebrates the Raksha Bandhan festival, which depicts the bond between brothers and sisters, in a unique manner. In the memory of his deceased sister, he offers free rides to women commuters to mark the occasion.

On Raksha Bandhan, which comes in the holy month of Shravan, the Rajasthan government allows women to travel for free on the buses of Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). While it may not be a big deal for the state government to offer free rides, it is commendable for auto-driver Dhanraj Dadich, who has been doing it for the past seven years. Dhanraj Dadhich told ETV Bharat that his sister 'Baby' passed away 22 years ago.

"She was my only sister. She died of a heart attack. I bought this rickshaw seven years ago. And decided that since I do not have a sister now, I will offer this free service to all my sisters in Jodhpur. Every year on this day, I miss my sister even more. So as a tribute, I provide free auto service from 10 am to 5 pm for all sisters on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan," he said.

Dhanraj claims he has provided 400-500 free rides to women during Raksha Bandhan in the last seven years. While he is happy offering the service, Dhanraj rues that none of his 'sister' passengers have ever tied him a rakhi.

"Women call and ask that they need to visit their brother's house for Raksha Bandhan. I immediately oblige but not once has anyone asked if they could tie a rakhi and call me brother," he said. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different parts of India with fervour. The festival is all about care and affection between a brother and a sister. The literal meaning of the word 'Raksha Bandhan' is "bond of protection." On this occasion, a woman ties rakhi (sacred thread), around her brother's wrist. The act symbolizes that his brother would protect her no matter what.