"Raksha Bandhan" celebrated with religious fervour

Chandigarh, Aug 16 (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' to their brothers, binding them in an inseparable bond of affection and love, who inturn made a traditional pledge to protect them from evil. At some places, the women demonstrated secular culture by tying rakhis on members of other communities.

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

Reports of ''Raksha Bandhan '' 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 from the region so far.

UNI VKJ SK HT1808