Updated on
Summary
India's President Pratibha Patil and Lal Krishna Advani, a senior leader of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, on Tuesday celebrated Raksha Bandhan, the Hindu festival which hails the bond between brothers and sisters, in national capital New Delhi. Children of different schools came to greet Patil and Advani at their official residences. They tied 'Rakhis' (thread symbolising relationship between siblings) on their wrists. Advani highlighted the significance of the festival. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties the Rakhi on the wrist of her brother as token of love and wishes him prosperity and happiness. And on his part, a brother pledges to protect his sisters' honour and offers some cash or gifts to her. The origin of Raksha Bandhan dates back to several centuries to the era of Hindu queen Rani Roopmati who in the course of a battle sent a Rakhi thread to Mughal ruler Humayun, requesting protection from the enemy. Emperor Humayun accepted the thread and honoured her request. Since then, the tradition has continued in most Hindu families, particularly in northern, central and western parts of India.Meanwhile, in the Indian capital New Delhi, the markets witnessed brisk shopping by the girls and women hopping from one shop to another for buying colourful Rakhis and assorted items. On their part, the shopkeepers had displayed a huge range of bright and colourful designer Rakhis.
