Ties that bind: Raksha Bandhan celebrated with gusto across K-P

PESHAWAR:

Hindus from across the province observed the festival of Raksha Bandhan with its usual enthusiasm on Saturday.

The ritual celebrates the relationship of love and duty between a brother and sister. It involves a sister tying a rakhi (thread) around her brother’s wrist while the latter reciprocates the gesture by giving gifts or cash in return.

“Though the festival signifies the bond between a brother and sister, the message of love is for the whole world,” said All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement (APHRM) Chairman Haroon Sarbdiyal. “Celebrations were held at Guru Gorakhnath Temple, Gor Ghatri and Kali Bari temple in Saddar. A large number of Hindus from around the city participated in the festivities.”

The festival was also observed in various parts of the province, including Nowshera, Kohat, Mardan and Bannu.

According to Sarbdiyal, the festivities will continue till September 6.

Heal the world

“People from various backgrounds were also invited to the festivities,” he said. “At the critical juncture, we cannot create boundaries between religions. We need to establish religious harmony.”

According to Sarbdiyal, Raksha Bandhan is a unique festival that signifies the sacred bond of love – irrespective of caste, race or creed.

“It is not limited to one’s own family,” Ram Lal, a Hindu elder said. “A woman can tie a rakhi on anyone’s wrist. The message of love is for all and not restricted to a particular religion.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2015.