Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, is marking the important Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan (28 August) through Forever Tied in Love — a heartfelt initiative honouring the enduring bond between siblings, even in the face of loss.
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a South Asian festival that celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. The festival celebrates the deep connection between brothers and sisters. Traditionally, sisters tie a sacred thread — a Rakhi — around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love, protection, and lifelong connection.
Sands is now inviting bereaved families to mark Raksha Bandhan in a very special way to help bereaved families honour and remember much-loved siblings.
The charity has partnered with the volunteer knitting group Knit Your Socks Off to create 1,800 handmade Rakhis, each featuring two entwined hearts – one for the sibling here and one for the sibling gone too soon.
Founded in 2015 by Sbba Siddique, Knit Your Socks Off is a community of women who use knitting and crochet to connect, heal, and give back. The group has supported numerous causes over the years — from premature baby clothing to Remembrance Day poppies — and has long been a supporter of Sands, creating blankets for the charity’s Memory and Care Boxes.
Sbba Siddique said: “Our group is honoured to be supporting the Forever Tied in Love campaign for the second consecutive year by creating crochet Rakhis, each one lovingly handcrafted as a symbol of remembrance, connection, and enduring love. United by our shared passion for knitting and crochet, and by our personal experiences of baby loss, this project is deeply meaningful to us.
Every stitch represents a cherished memory, a precious child, and a bond that can never be broken. As we create these Rakhis, we not only honour our own babies but also reach out to other bereaved families with a message of compassion, understanding, and hope. Through our craft, we are transforming yarn into something far greater – a lasting reminder that every child is loved, every memory matters, and no family should ever feel alone in their grief.”
Through Forever Tied in Love, Sands hopes to raise awareness of the unique grief experienced by bereaved siblings and families during cultural celebrations and offer a small but meaningful way to feel connected, remembered, and supported.
Madhuri Bedi, Sands Outreach Coordinator for South Asian Communities, said: “At Sands, we understand that Raksha Bandhan can be especially painful for families who are grieving the loss of a baby or child. For siblings who can’t celebrate in the traditional way, and for parents missing the bond between their children, this time of year can intensify feelings of grief.
“Our Forever Tied in Love campaign offers a gentle way to acknowledge and honour the bond between siblings, including the hopes, dreams and relationships that never had the opportunity to grow.
“We are deeply grateful to Sbba and all the volunteers at Knit Your Socks Off for understanding our sentiments and desire to support bereaved families by crafting these beautiful Rakhis with such care, kindness and compassion.”
Breaking the silence around pregnancy and baby loss
Selina, a bereaved mum, said: “Every Raksha Bandhan, I miss Aveer even more. He should have been here so his sisters could tie a Rakhi around his wrist and celebrate the special bond they were meant to share. Raksha Bandhan is a constant reminder of the relationship that was lost between a brother and his two sisters, Akira and Nikki.
“It makes me think about what could have been and all the moments they should have shared. I often find myself imagining the bond they would have had and the memories they would have created together. It’s a reminder of something I would have loved to see every single day.”
Support for you
Here at Sands, we know that talking about pregnancy and baby loss can be difficult. Please know that you are not alone, and there are people who understand and whom you can speak to in confidence.
