Raksha Bandhan celebrated with fervour in Jammu

Jammu/Rajouri, Aug 9: Raksha Bandhan – the festival symbolising the eternal bond between brothers and sisters, was celebrated with fervour and festivity across the Jammu division.

Festive ambience pervaded the markets, mainly the confectionery, gift shops and provision stores selling attractive Rakhis – the sacred thread to be tied around the wrists.

Another element adding to the festive ambience was colourful kites dotting the sky. The shops trading in kites and kite threads too drew heavy crowds of youth, mainly youngsters.

As sisters tied beautiful, tastefully decorated Rakhis around the wrists of their brothers, the latter committed to their protection amid the exchange of sweets and gifts.

At the community level, the inmates of children homes, and the old age home also celebrated the festival with zeal. Security personnel deployed at far-off places shared festivities with the civilians.

SUMIT BHARGAV FROM RAJOURI ADDS:

In Rajouri district, in a ceremony conducted at CRPF camp in District Police Lines Rajouri, the local girls tied rakhis to the wrists of jawans and officers.

The CRPF troops expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sisters for their affection and to the community for their constant support.

They said that such gestures strengthened the bond between the armed forces and the people they served, as part of one big family.

Army personnel from the Galuti-based Rashtriya Rifles battalion of Romeo Force celebrated the festival of Rakshabandhan with girls from border villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district.

The soldiers, who were on anti-terror operation duties in areas of Rajouri, were approached by local girls requesting them to join the festivities.

Accepting the heartfelt invitation, the troops participated in the traditional Rakhi ceremony, locals said.

The girls tied sacred threads on the wrists of the army personnel, symbolising the bond of protection and brotherhood.

The soldiers, stationed far from their homes and families, expressed gratitude for the warmth and affection shown by the villagers while reaffirming their commitment to safeguard the nation’s borders.

Similar celebrations were held in various locations, including Sukkakass Hayatpura of Manjakote, Sabra Gali of Poonch, Kallar Mohra in Mendhar, Gambhir Mughalan in Rajouri, and Kanihal Gali in Manjakote.