Raksha Bandhan 2026: President Murmu, PM Modi and other leaders extend greetings, highlight love and mutual respect
Raksha Bandhan 2026: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders extended greetings to citizens on Friday, August 28, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, highlighting the festival's message of love, trust, respect and mutual responsibility.
President Murmu, in her message, extended her heartfelt wishes to Indians living in the country and abroad. She said Raksha Bandhan has been an integral part of India's cultural and spiritual traditions since ancient times.
The President said the sacred thread tied around the wrist has traditionally been regarded as a holy bond of protection. Referring to ancient verses and mantras associated with the festival, she said the prayer reflects the wish that the bond of protection remains firm and unbreakable.
President Murmu also highlighted the social significance of Raksha Bandhan, noting that the festival has evolved into a celebration of affection and togetherness, particularly through the tradition of sisters tying rakhis on their brothers' wrists.
She said the festival goes beyond the bond between brothers and sisters and strengthens feelings of affection, respect and mutual responsibility among friends, families and society.
“This festival reminds us that the foundation of every relationship in life is based on trust, sensitivity and mutual cooperation,” the President said.
President Murmu also called upon citizens to use the occasion to resolve to protect society and the country and move forward with the same spirit towards building a developed India.
PM Modi wishes for unbreakable bond of love and trust
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended Raksha Bandhan greetings through a post on X.
“Heartfelt wishes on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. May this sacred festival bring happiness, prosperity, and success into all your lives. May the bond of love, affection, and mutual trust remain forever unbreakable—that is my heartfelt wish,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also marked World Sanskrit Day, which falls on the full moon day of Shravana. In a separate X post, he described Sanskrit as a carrier of India's knowledge, thought and creativity and extended greetings to those studying, teaching and preserving the language.
Om Birla highlights women's dignity and empowerment
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also extended greetings, describing Raksha Bandhan as a festival symbolising the affection and trust between siblings as well as India's rich cultural values and family bonds.
Birla said the meaning of protection should not be restricted to the safety of sisters but should also encompass the protection of women's dignity, rights and aspirations.
He said a stronger nation can be built when every daughter and sister is safe, respected and confident enough to move forward.
Rajnath Singh calls for greater sensitivity towards women
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Raksha Bandhan as a reflection of India's rich cultural heritage and values.
He said the festival represents the deep bond of affection and mutual trust between brothers and sisters and should also inspire society to remain committed to the honour, safety and dignity of women.
Singh called for a society that is more vigilant and sensitive towards women's respect, self-respect and empowerment.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta celebrates Raksha Bandhan with children
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta celebrated Raksha Bandhan with children from across Delhi at Mukhyamantri Jan Sewa Sadan.
The children tied rakhis to the Chief Minister, while Gupta interacted with them, asked about their dreams and assured them of government initiatives aimed at supporting their education, well-being and aspirations.
She also extended Raksha Bandhan greetings, saying the festival represents the strength of family values and bonds of affection, trust and duty.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated annually on the full moon day, or Purnima, of the Hindu month of Shravana. On the occasion, sisters traditionally tie a sacred thread or Rakhi around their brothers' wrists and pray for their health, happiness and prosperity. Brothers, in turn, reaffirm their affection and pledge to support and protect their sisters.
The festival has also come to represent broader values of love, trust, respect, mutual responsibility and family togetherness.
