Raksha Bandhan symbolises feelings respect and mutual care, says President

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday greeted citizens on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, saying the festival symbolises feelings of respect and mutual responsibility not only between brothers and sisters but also among families, friends and society.

“This festival reminds us that every relationship rests on the pillars of trust, sensitivity and mutual cooperation,” President Murmu said in a message. The festival of Raksha Bandhan has been an integral part of our culture and tradition since ancient times, she said. “In many ‘shlokas’ and ‘mantras’, we find the words ‘Rakshe, Ma Chala, Ma Chala’. These words express the imploration, ‘May this bond of protection continue forever’,” she said. 

Raksha Bandhan has become popular as a social festival in which sisters tie a Rakhi on the wrists of their brothers, the president said.

“This symbolises the feelings of warmth, respect and mutual responsibility, not only between brothers and sisters but also among siblings, families, friends and society,” she said.

President Murmu also asked citizens to take a pledge to strengthen the bond among “our families and our communities”. 

“Let us march forward with this spirit towards a Viksit Bharat,” she said, extending her greetings to all Indians living in the country and abroad on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.