A Raksha Bandhan That Broke the Internet: Parag Tyagi’s Heartfelt Tribute to Shefali and Their Family

Raksha Bandhan is a festival woven with love, tradition, and the sacred promise of protection. But this Raksha Bandhan, the internet bore witness to a ritual transformed by grief, resilience, and an undying bond—as actor Parag Tyagi performed the ceremony not only for his beloved dog Simba but also for his house helper Ram, in memory of his departed wife, Shefali. The emotional video, shared on social media, touched millions and became a symbol of how love endures even after death.

The Silence After Shefali

The passing of Shefali, known for her gracious spirit and radiant presence, left a hollow not just in her household, but throughout her circle of friends, family, and devoted followers. For Parag Tyagi, her husband, and their loyal pet dog Simba, life changed overnight. Their home, once brimming with her laughter and daily rituals, felt colder. Simba paced the corridors in search of his human companion, while Parag grappled with a new, enormous solitude.

People say time heals. But for those left behind, every day becomes a struggle to fill the empty chair at dinner, the uncanny stillness where once there were idle words and gentle gestures. For Parag, honoring Shefali’s memory became a mission—a way to keep her presence alive, especially during the festivals she cherished.

Raksha Bandhan: A Tradition Reimagined

In India, Raksha Bandhan typically celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers, or anyone who pledges protection and care. But for the Tyagi household, Shefali’s unique way of celebrating had always included Simba, their golden-hearted pet, and Ram, their loyal house help.

Every year, Shefali would joyously tie rakhis on Simba’s leg and on Ram’s wrist, blessing them both and filling their home with laughter. This wasn’t simply ritual—it was her way to honor every relationship she considered sacred, regardless of blood or species.

This year, with Shefali gone, the thought of an incomplete ritual pained Parag more than ever.

The Viral Video: A Ceremony of Love and Loss

On Raksha Bandhan morning, Parag decided to recreate Shefali’s ritual—this time as her messenger. On his Instagram, he posted a video that would soon become a viral storm of emotion across social media.

In the video’s opening frames, Simba sits patiently on a chair, next to Ram, looking on with soft eyes—as if sensing the significance of the moment. Parag, dressed simply, kneels on the floor beside them. His hands tremble slightly, but his eyes are determined. Gently, he applies a red tika on Simba’s head, just as Shefali used to do. He whispers something—perhaps an old blessing—and then, with immense care, ties a traditional multicolored rakhi around Simba’s paw.

The ritual isn’t hurried; every movement is weighted with memory. You can almost feel Shefali’s presence guiding him, lending strength to his hands and a sense of purpose to his tears.

Parag then turns to Ram, who bows his head respectfully. With a smile that borders on tears, Parag ties another rakhi on Ram’s wrist. “Didi used to tie this for you every year,” Parag tells him, his voice breaking, “Today, she’s still with you… through me.”

The video concludes with a tender hug—Simba nuzzling Parag as Ram wipes his eyes, overwhelmed.

The Caption That Tore Through Social Media

But it was the caption Parag wrote alongside the video that amplified its emotional impact:

“Pari, you always tied rakhi to our baby Simba and to Ram every year. I want you to keep doing this through me. Today, I tied rakhi to Simba and Ram on your behalf. I promise to uphold all your responsibilities. I will love you till my last breath.”

Within hours, thousands of comments and wishes poured in. Fans, friends, and even strangers shared their own stories of loss, the rituals they perform to honor loved ones, and how Parag’s act inspired them to cherish every bond—human and otherwise.

A Pet Is Family, Too

The powerful image of Simba, a pet dog, being included in the Raksha Bandhan ritual struck a deep chord across the internet. For many, animals are companions, therapists, children, and anchors through personal storms. Shefali’s gesture, and Parag’s resolve to continue it, sparked conversations about the depth of love we have for our animal companions.

Countless pet-owners shared photos of their own Raksha Bandhan ceremonies, inspired by the Tyagis. “You made us all realize our furry friends are as much a part of the family as anyone else,” wrote one user. Animal welfare groups lauded the video, emphasizing how cultural traditions can be inclusively reimagined in beautiful, loving ways.

Memory and Ritual: The Power to Heal

Psychologists and grief counselors also took notice of the video, hailing ritual as a powerful way to process loss. Dr. Meera Sinha, a grief therapist, commented, “Meaningful rituals—like Parag’s Raksha Bandhan—help us honor our loved ones, keep their spirit alive, and draw strength to move forward. Grief doesn’t disappear, but such actions turn pain into connection.”

For Parag, the ceremony was both catharsis and prayer: a way to say, “I carry you forward, in everything I do.”

Social Media—A Mirror to Our Own Emotions

Parag’s video also underlined something universal: every family, every couple, creates unique little rituals that don’t fit into boxes. In an age of filtered smiles and picture-perfect posts, his raw, unscripted grief and resilience resonated across cultures.

Within a day, #RakshaBandhan and #Simba trended on Indian social media. Some commented on how Parag’s tears reminded them that men are allowed—must be allowed—to grieve openly. Others found comfort in the idea that love, in all its forms, is never wasted.

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Love

The deepest note beneath Parag’s act was his pledge: to fulfill Shefali’s duties, to be both protector and nurturer, and to honor the circle of love she created. His words, “I will love you till my last breath,” were not just a promise to her, but a declaration of faith in the power of chosen family.

Ram, the house helper, also broke his silence after the ritual, speaking through misty eyes. “Didi (Shefali) always treated me like her own brother. I feel her blessings, even today.”

The Final Message: What Will We Do for Love?

At its heart, this viral moment is a reminder to the world: Love’s greatest acts are often quiet, unremarkable to strangers, but transformative for those who witness them.

Parag Tyagi’s rakhi ceremony for Simba and Ram is more than a news story—it’s a call to cherish traditions, to keep our bonds alive, and to let love transcend grief, time, and even death.

As festivals come and go, may we carry forward the lessons Parag and Shefali quietly left for us: That family is built not by blood alone, but by rituals of the heart.