On Raksha Bandhan, city celebrates bond of love, togetherness

Delhi turned into a living postcard of love and tradition on Saturday as the city celebrated Raksha Bandhan with unmatched fervour. From the winding alleys of Chandni Chowk to the bustling corridors of Connaught Place, every corner echoed the festival’s message — a bond of love, protection and unity.

The markets were a riot of colour, with rakhis ranging from simple silk threads to glittering designer creations.

While Sadar Bazaar dazzled shoppers with its variety, Chandni Chowk charmed with handcrafted pearls and beads. Connaught Place merged tradition with luxury, offering rakhis in precious metals and stones.

Temples saw a steady stream of devotees, and community events brought neighbours and strangers together in celebrations. The historic Jama Masjid also became a symbol of harmony as Delhi University students tied rakhis to passersby of all communities, spreading a message of peace.

The spirit of the festival reached 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed schoolgirls who tied rakhis on his wrist. President Droupadi Murmu, in her message to the nation, reminded citizens of the festival’s deeper meaning — to uphold women’s rights, safety, and dignity.

Extra buses and Delhi Metro trains were rolled out to manage the festive rush. However, several routes still saw overcrowding. The inconvenience, however, did little to dim the excitement.

Raksha Bandhan, literally “the bond of protection,” has for centuries celebrated the special relationship between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi as a symbol of love and prayers, while brothers pledge to safeguard them for life — a tradition that transcends regions, religions and cultures.

This year, Delhi didn’t just celebrate a festival. It celebrated togetherness. In every tied thread and exchanged smile, the city wove stories of love, trust and unity — ensuring that the spirit of Raksha Bandhan shone brighter than ever.