The President of India has released greetings on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrated across Indian households and among the diaspora. The message, issued through the President’s Secretariat, highlights the cultural and social significance of the festival in Indian tradition.
What the President said
In her message, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu described Raksha Bandhan as a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture since ancient times. She noted that the rakhi thread, tied with faith around the wrist, represents a sacred bond of protection referred to as ‘Raksha Bandhan’. The President referenced Sanskrit shlokas and mantras containing the phrase “Rakshe, Ma Chala, Ma Chala”, which she explained expresses a prayer for the bond of protection to endure indefinitely.
The President emphasised that Raksha Bandhan has evolved into a social festival where sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of brothers and other siblings. She highlighted that this practice symbolises feelings of warmth, respect and mutual responsibility among siblings, families, friends and society as a whole.
According to the President, the festival serves as a reminder that every relationship depends on foundations of trust, sensitivity and mutual cooperation. On this occasion, she called upon people to strengthen bonds within their families and communities, and to move forward with this spirit towards a developed India.
What this means for you
The President’s message places the ritual of Raksha Bandhan within a broader framework of social unity and mutual care. For those celebrating the festival, the message reinforces its significance beyond family tradition, framing it as an opportunity to reflect on relationships built on trust and shared responsibility. The emphasis on strengthening community bonds suggests the festival’s role in fostering social cohesion at multiple levels, from families to broader society.