Raksha Bandhan being celebrated across India

Raksha Bandhan, the festival of love between brothers and sisters, is being celebrated across the country today with full enthusiasm.

The central ceremony involves the tying of a sacred thread, Rakhi by a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well being, and the brother's vow to protect her long life.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have greeted the nation on the occasion.

President Mukherjee in his message said the festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the sacred bond of love, trust and commitment between sisters and brothers.

"It is an occasion for us to dedicate ourselves to the well-being of women and in particular, the girl child. Women should be provided a safe, secure and congenial environment in which their talents can flower and they can contribute their full share in the building of our nation. Traditional cultural values of respect for women need to be fully entrenched in our minds," he said.

"May this unique festival inculcate in every member of our society the highest respect for women, as we strive collectively for the prosperity of our people," he added.

In his message, Ansari said called upon people to imbibe the valuable message of Rakshabandhan to promote the spirit of amity, fraternity and harmony in our lives.

"This festival not only celebrates the immaculate love between brothers and sisters but also transcends the confines of family to cover the entire society by underscoring the need for harmonious social life and peaceful co-existence," he said.

In a separate message, Dr. Singh said that Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrated to strengthen the bonds of love and affection in our family and society.

"It is also an occasion to re-commit ourselves to ensuring the safety and security of women," he added.