Raksha bandhan is a product of patriarchy, and at it's core, is nothing but the brotherly embrace of oppression and I refuse to celebrate patriarchy. (1/n)

The traditional notion of 'protecting' one's sister is structured around patriarchal protectionism and sensitization of women's bodies. (2/n)

In a country like India where everything comes down to sanskaars, any form of protection of a woman means caging her because her honour is everything, and RB is the celebration of this age old theory that women will always need a man's protection. (3/n)

When one gives another a duty to protect, he/she also lends them with an indication to control. And control can never be positive. (4/n)

In a show of resistance, I propose a celebration of sisterhood. Ask your brothers to tie you a rakhi as well, and tie one to your sisters, mothers and aunts. (5/n)

To me, it's the ultimate resistance against an all-pervasive institution that requires women to pull other women down without conscious thought. (fin)