Raksha Bandan celebrated with religious fervour in north-west

Chandigarh, Aug 28 (UNI) "Raksha Bandhan", signifying the undying ties of love and affection between sisters and brothers, was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh Union Territory today.

Women tied colourful rakhis on their brothers'wrist, binding them in an inseparable bond of affection and love, who in turn made a traditional pledge to protect them from evil. At some places, the women tied rakhis to people of different communities, highlighting the secular culture of India.

Long queues were seen at rakhi stalls and sweet shops made a brisk business at various places in the region on this occasion. A large number of people visited tastefully decorated temples and offered prayers.

Reports of the celebrations were received from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Rohtak, Hissar, Sonepat, Karnal, Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur and solan.

Authorities have taken adequate measures to maintain peace and deployed police personnel at temples and rakhi stalls. No untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the region so far.

The Haryana Government has decided to provide free travelling facility to women in state roadways buses on Raksha Bhandan day.

Children upto 15 years were also allowed to travel free in the buses.

UNI