Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has released a message to the people ahead of Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrated across India to mark the bond between brothers and sisters. The greeting was issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on 27 August 2026.
What the Speaker said
In his message, Birla described Raksha Bandhan as a festival rooted in Indian culture that honours family values and the emotional ties between siblings. He noted that the occasion goes beyond the ritual of tying a sacred thread and represents a deeper commitment to mutual trust, respect and lifelong support.
Birla emphasised the traditional understanding of the bond between brothers and sisters as among the purest relationships, marked by genuine care without selfishness or conditions. He said that a brother’s duty includes ensuring his sister’s happiness, safety and dignity, while a sister’s prayers for her brother’s wellbeing reflect sincere affection.
The Speaker expanded the meaning of protection to include safeguarding women’s respect, rights and aspirations. He stressed that national progress depends on ensuring every daughter and sister in society feels secure, valued and able to pursue their goals with confidence.
Birla also called for maintaining strong family bonds in contemporary times through open communication, respect for elders, equal opportunities for daughters, and fostering unity and brotherhood in society at large.
What this means for you
This is an official greeting from the parliamentary leadership marking a major Indian festival. The Speaker’s message reinforces cultural values around family relationships while also connecting Raksha Bandhan to broader themes of women’s safety and equality. Citizens may find in his words a reflection of how traditional festivals are understood within India’s governance and public discourse today.