Raksha Bandhan, a festival that marks the bond of love between brothers and sisters, was celebrated with traditional fervour and enthusiasm across the State on Thursday. Most of the women and girls waited for the time fixed by the astrologers as the auspicious time for tying their brothers with rakhis. This year, the time was fixed from 8.05 am to 10.23 am then from 10.40 am to 12.25 pm and from 12.40 pm to 1.30 pm. However, some did not follow the astrologers’ view and tied their brothers with rakhis as per their convenience.
Nidhi, resident of Raipur, said that it is an important festival for the sisters. The festival further adds to the warmth of the ties between brothers and sisters. “It deepens the bond of affection and love,” she said. She continued, “I waited for the inauspicious spell to be over as was said by the astrologers. Then I went for the Rakhi rituals. I prayed for my brother’s long life and prosperity.”
Sumitra Bisht, resident of Jakhan, said that many astrologers’ opinions varied as far as the auspicious time of tying Rakhi is concerned. The time fixed by their purohit did not match with the time fixed by others. “I did not, however, wait for the auspicious time. When my brother was ready, I tied him with rakhi on his wrist,” she added.
There was a hustle bustle in the markets on Wednesday. Till Thursday noon, the shops were chock a block with customers doing the last- minute purchases of sweets, gifts and Rakhis. Since morning, women were seen thronging the 'Rakhi' stalls and sweet shops. Some women were also seen visiting temples and offering prayers in Dehradun.
The leaders of various political parties also joined the celebration across the state. Members of some social organisations have used the occasion to convey a special message- celebration of the inseparable bond between humans and tress.
According to them, they have started a tradition of tying rakhi around the trees to mark the auspicious day.
The motive behind the start of this tradition is to safeguard and conserve the trees in the same manner as brothers protect sisters and vice versa.