Prez, Vice Prez greet India on Raksha Bandhan

New Delhi, Aug 24: As India got set to celebrate the bond of love between sisters and brothers on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari greeted the nation on the special day.

"On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.

"This festival is uniquely symbolic of the bonds of love, affection and mutual trust which have existed for centuries between sisters and brothers of every community in our country," the President said.

"May their united endeavors bring prosperity and progress to all sections of our people," she added.

"The Festival of Rakshabandhan which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters reinforces the spirit of family bonding, societal harmony and peaceful coexistence," Mr Ansari said in a separate statement.

"I am confident that these celebrations will go a long way in spreading the message of fraternity, solidarity, love and affection among citizens. May this Festival bring about amity and goodwill in our lives," he added.

On this day, all sisters tie what is known as a Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi, a sacred thread, on the wrists of their brothers. Raksha Bandhan translates into bond of protection in Hindi, Punjabi, Oriya, Assamese, Gujarati and other languages.

It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Shravana month on the Hindu calender.

Even though it is a Hindu festival, people from all faiths do not hesitate to be part of the celebration of a beautiful relationship.

OneIndia News