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Sibling: The only enemy you cannot live without. I don’t think there can be a perfect definition than this one describing the brother-sister relationship. There’s no one in this world who you incessantly love and hate at the same time other than your sibling, isn’t it? The brother-sister bond is the purest, constant relationship, no matter where you go on this planet. There are days when all you want to do is ‘tell on them’ to your parents and then there are days when you feel the need to hug them and buy them their favourite food (which you probably end up fighting about again). This relationship is so distinctive, that one special day, each year is dedicated to this cherished bond where the sister ties rakhi on her brother’s hand and in return the brother promises to endlessly protect her from all the obstacles.

Raksha Bandhan is here and festivals without celebration, guests and great food are like samosa without aloo. But, since it’s going to be a unique festive day with all of us quarantined in our homes, I thought it’s time for the brothers to also do something extra from the ordinary, for their beloved sisters. My suggestion is, don that apron and get cooking something lovely for your sweet sisters today. I’ve got an exclusive all-day menu designed, right from the start of the day till the end. All you need to do is, prep-up and get cooking with all your heart and soul for your sister!

Namak bhale hi swad anusar daal sakte hain, par pyaar bharpoor hona chahiye!

Breakfast: Shuruaat achchi toh din aur bhi achcha!

Who doesn’t love some pampering? Well, we all do! Let’s explore some great breakfast options which you and your sister can bond over and start the day on a delicious note. We Punjabis love paranthe for breakfast. So, I’m going to make this delicious Tamatar Pyaaz ka Parantha and serve it with her favourite pickle.

You can pick out the perfect one from this list here. Or if you want to go for an English breakfast, I suggest you make some delish Ragi Pancakes which are healthy too, perfect breakfast-in bed option.

Lunch: Infinite love for desi khana!

Our foodie family has an unending love for Indian cuisine. Lunch is going to be a wholesome affair so my pick is Butter Chicken along with some Lachcha parantha. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you should go with the luscious Reshmi Paneer. When it comes to desi delicacies, both these options are just unbeatable.

Evening: Bond over that cup of chai!

Sham ki chai bhi hai zaroori! What’s better than the chai-pakoda combination and some deep conversations? I say nothing! Make a warm and soothing cup of Masala Chai and enjoy it with some garmagaram Kanda Bhajiya with your sister. And if it’s a rainy evening, it’s going to be a ‘cherry on the top.’ Somethings are best when they are kept simple!???????

Dinner: Desi or videsi, you pick!

Coming to the end of the day, you might be tired but also pumped up because you don’t want to go wrong with dinner after you’ve tried to keep it special for your sister all day long. I’ve got two options for you, both of which are all-time favourites for all. Remember how you’ve always fought with your sister over the last slice of pizza? Today, bake an entire pizza for her and discuss those nostalgic moments. Choose the best one from the list!???????

If you want to keep it entirely Indian, you should go for a rustic biryani which is bound to bring happiness on her face. The vegetarians should try the Dum Aloo Biryani which is my personal favourite and the very authentic, aromatic and flavour-bomb Awadhi Biryani for the non-vegetarians. Both are definitely going to make the meal memorable!

Dessert: Dhamakedar mithai to add ‘chaar chand’ to your day!

Meethe ke bina har tyohaar adhura hai! Yes, finally it’s time for the dessert to end this splendid day. Picking the perfect sweet can be really confusing. So I recommend, go with whatever your heart says. I’m going to make my sister’s favourite Jalebi, but you can make anything your sister will love. I’m sure she is already overwhelmed with the all-day feasting, so pick something that would just bring a perfect finale to the day!

And before I end, here’s a little something for someone I can’t imagine my life without. 

Dear Sister,

Ye khatta-meetha safar hai bada suhana,

Chalta rahe yuhin, ruthna aur manana.

Main kehta nahi, par jaanta hai saara zamana,

Humein zindagi bhar saath hai nibhana.

Teri hasi mein hi meri khushi hai,

Teri muskurahat se hi mere dil me sukoon hai.