Nation celebrates Raksha Bandhan with full fervour

People from all walks of life celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with full fervour across the country on Tuesday.

New Delhi/Srinagar/Ayodhya/Wagah, Aug 28 : People from all walks of life celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with full fervour across the country on Tuesday.

A large number of women from Punjab tied rakhis to the soldiers deployed at Wagah border.

"It's a sentimental moment for me as I was away home, and I felt really happy when these women tied Rakhi to me. I feel really good," said Shokeen Khan, a soldier of the Border Security Force (BSF).

In Srinagar, scores of Hindus congregated at the Shankarachayra Temple to offer prayers and celebrate the festival.

"I have come to Kashmir after 18 years, and I am very glad that I am able to tie Rakhi to my brother at this pious place. I am very happy to see so many people here, it is a very happy day for me," said Sunita Devi, a woman, while tying rakhi to her brother.

"By the grace of Lord Shiva, my wish has come true today. I think it is more crowded today than it was 18 years ago," said Vinod Kaul, Sunita Devi's brother.Though considered a Hindu festival, the occasion was celebrated by people of all faiths.

In Ayodhya, Sikh women invited their Muslim neighbours to a Gurudwara to tie rakhi.

"We stay together. There is no disparity, we celebrate all our festivals like bakri Eid together," said Navjot Kaur, a Sikh woman, who tied rakhi to an adopted Muslim brother.

In the national Capital, about 100 children from different parts of the country met President Pratibha Patil to wish her on the occasion.

ANI