India celebrates 'Raksha Bandhan' of brothers and sisters

Raksha Bandhan, a Sanskrit word literally translates to ‘The Knot of Protection’ in English, a special day for siblings observed mainly by the Hindu communities of India, Pakistan, Nepal and Mauritius.

It is believed that the Rajput queens initiated this ritual by sending knotted strings to princes and rulers of neighboring states as a symbol of sororal care and received protection in return.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to convey his wishes to the citizens.

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan using his Twitter handle @SrBachchan wrote, “T 1977 - Raksha Bandhan ki anek badhai .. prem ka sagar behta rahe behnon ke prati ..”

Chief Minister of West Bengal and TMC supremo Mamata Bannerjee through her Twitter handle @MamataOfficial wrote, “Raksha Bandhan ki hardik shubh kamnayein. Ekta hi desh ki shakti hain.”

The President of India posted two messages, dedicating it to the celebrations.

President Mukherjee using his official Twitter handle @RashtrapatiBhvn tweeted, “Warm greetings & good wishes on the auspicious occasion of Raksha bandhan to all my fellow citizens in India & abroad #PresidentMukherjee”

“The thread of Rakhi binds sisters & brothers in an inseparable bond of love and trust #PresidentMukherjee”

Over the years the celebrations of Raksha Bandhan have transcended barriers and have taken a major form, it is a practice now, followed by many around the world.

The Nobel Prize winning Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore used the Rakhi to foster bonds between the Hindus and Muslims.

He urged people to unite and fight against British oppression prevalent in India during the British Raj.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated nationwide in diverse manners and forms.