Feasting, merry-making and exchange of gifts marked the the day as girls and women, dressed in their fineries, tied 'rakhis' (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists and prayed for each other's well-being.
President Pranab Mukherjee, the Prime Minister, Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and several other leaders greeted the people on the occasion.
In his message, Mukherjee said, "The thread of Rakhi binds sisters & brothers in an inseparable bond of love and trust."
At the Prime Minister's 7 Race Course Road residence, some children and women from various walks of life tied rakhis on Modi's wrist.
Modi posted pictures of the day on his Twitter account with the message: "Greetings on Rakshbandhan."
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tied a rakhi on the wrist of Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu who drove to her residence for the purpose.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated 'Raksha Bandhan' with students from various schools in Delhi.
A group of children visited the Home Minister at his residence on the festive occasion, tied 'rakhi' on his wrist and wished him.
In Chandigarh, Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki celebrated with a group of women and girls tying rakhis on his wrist at Raj Bhavan.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar celebrated the festival at his residence, where large number of women, including those from 'Brahma Kumaris' (a spiritual organisation) and children tied rakhi on his wrist.
Sonia Gandhi described the festival as a "celebration of mutual bonding between people, as indeed the affection between a brother and a sister".
She hoped the festival "as always will foster bonds and honour amongst people".