Raksha Bandhan, the auspicious festival celebrating the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters, was celebrated across India with a blend of traditional rituals and modern gestures. The day was marked by the exchange of love, respect, and promises of protection.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at his residence in Delhi, received rakhis from a group of students, symbolizing the nation’s respect and affection for its leader.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took the opportunity to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with the families of individuals who tragically lost their lives due to COVID-19. In his constituency, Kota, he met with women who had lost their brothers to the pandemic, offering them support and solace.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hosted a special Raksha Bandhan celebration at Naveen Niwas with local school students, fostering a sense of community and celebrating the spirit of the festival.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s Raksha Bandhan celebration held a unique significance. He was tied rakhis by women who had recently received Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. This act symbolized a welcome and integration into the Indian society.
The transgender community also participated in the festivities, tying rakhis to West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose. Transgender activist and member of the Association of Transgender/Hijra in Bengal, Ranjita Sinha, expressed gratitude for the governor’s recognition and his assurance of security for the transgender community.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted a special Raksha Bandhan gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan, bringing together students from government schools across the country. Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jayant Chaudhary were also present, adding to the significance of the event.
At the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab, Border Security Force (BSF) jawans celebrated Raksha Bandhan with women and children from the local community. The heartwarming gesture involved women and children tying rakhis to the brave soldiers and offering them sweets, showcasing the strong bond between the armed forces and the nation.
Raksha Bandhan 2023 in India was a testament to the enduring values of love, respect, and unity that bind the nation together. From political leaders to ordinary citizens, the spirit of the festival was felt across the country.
