President Murmu and PM Modi Send Raksha Bandhan Greetings, Highlighting Protective Relationship Bond
The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, historically and culturally steeped in the bond of protection, love, and duty between brothers and sisters, was celebrated on August 9 this year.
The festival, traditionally celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan, marks a time for family bonding, mutual respect, and emotional connection. Rooted in various ancient legends and cultural practices, Raksha Bandhan has evolved into an important social and spiritual ritual.
On this day, sisters tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing a prayer for their well-being, while brothers vow to protect their sisters. The rakhi thread represents an invisible yet profound spiritual bond invoking protection and blessings, and gift exchanges signify mutual appreciation. Rituals often include prayers, aartis, and sweets to reinforce emotional and spiritual connections.
This year, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated globally among the Indian diaspora and extended to friends and wider social circles, strengthening communal ties. The festival embodies timeless values from Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting the ideals of dharma (duty) and selflessness (nishkama karma), where siblings express unconditional love without expectation of return.
Culturally, Raksha Bandhan goes beyond family ties, promoting universal themes of protection, loyalty, and responsibility. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among the many who extended their warm greetings on the occasion.
President Murmu urged citizens to pledge towards building a prosperous India where every woman feels safe and empowered to contribute to national development. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the festival's significance in strengthening the bond between siblings and promoting harmony and unity in society.
In a tweet, Rajnath Singh expressed that Raksha Bandhan is a symbol of commitment to honor, protect, and ensure the happiness and prosperity of sisters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the unbreakable bond of love and trust between siblings.
President Murmu noted that Raksha Bandhan provides an opportunity to preserve India's rich cultural heritage and moral values. Rajnath Singh's tweet emphasized that Raksha Bandhan is not just about the traditional rakhi thread, but about the unbreakable bond of trust, the pledge to protect, and the commitment to honor.
In conclusion, Raksha Bandhan is historically rooted in Hindu mythology and cultural customs as a celebration of love, protection, and moral duty between siblings, with broad spiritual significance emphasizing mutual care, societal harmony, and the sacredness of human relationships. This year, the festival brought joy, enthusiasm, and a renewed sense of commitment to the bond between siblings across India and beyond.
Celebrations of Raksha Bandhan extended beyond family circles, reaching social media platforms, where countless posts showcased images of rakhis, heartfelt messages, and wishes, making the festival a trending topic in pop-culture. Throughout the day, endless discussions about the festival's significance, cultural relevance, and spiritual implications could be found in various entertainment-based forums, with celebrities from various industries expressing their sentiments and appreciation for the tradition.
