The festival of Raksha Bandhan, which denotes sacred bond of love, trust and commitment between sisters and brothers, was celebrated with the customary fervour in Dehradun and other parts of the State on Monday. The brothers and sisters were waiting impatiently for the auspicious time to strike for the sisters to tie the rakhi on the wrists of their brothers in tune with the hoary tradition. The auspicious period was, however, short, beginning at 11.10 am and ending at 1.50 pm. Markets were abuzz since early morning with the buyers making the last-minute shopping for the rakhi paraphernalia.
A heavy rush was also seen at the railway station and the bus stations due to the festival. A large number of women were seen at the stations as they were allowed to travel, sans tickets. Passengers had to wait for 30 to 40 minutes for buses to places like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Roorkee, and lakshar.
On the other hand, for those who could not celebrate the festival with their brothers and sisters, SMSes, what’s app, phone calls, video callings and emails started pouring in since morning.
According to a priest, good time for tying rakhi was between 11.10 am and 1.50 pm on Monday. According to him, priest, beyond above this time, it was not auspicious to tie rakhis.
Rashmi, resident of Kewal Vihar, said that on Sunday, she had purchased rakhi while she bought the sweets on Monday. “I waited till the auspicious time arrived to tie rakhi on the wrist of my brother Ramesh. After the rituals were performed my brother gave me gifts,” she added.
Adarsh Vihar resident Sumitra said, “ Dressed in the traditional attire, I reached my brothers’ home at Jogiwala to tie rakhi on their wrists.”
Himani, resident of Raipur, said, “ My brother is living in Delhi. So I sent rakhi five days ago which he received on Saturday. I talked to him over the phone and asked him to tie the rakhi after 11 am as suggested my family pandit.”
Sumit, an MBA student, took his younger sister for shopping. “My sister tied rakhi at noon and later in the evening, we went for shopping. We had lunch together with all the family members being present.”
Ayushi, a student, said, “I love this festival as I get a lot of gifts from my brother and cousins as they are all employed in good companies.”
In other parts of the state too, the festival of Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm.