Raksha Bandhan is the commemoration of the pure and loving bond between brothers and sisters. Though this Hindu festival is celebrated in full spirits and with extreme joviality by the siblings in India, it has also found a place in other religions as well. People eagerly wait for this festival to celebrate among their dear ones while tying rakhis and exchanging gifts with each other.
Apart from the actual significance of Raksha Bandhan, i.e. strengthening the relationships of siblings, it also serves another purpose. Time and again, Raksha Bandhan has been used to end many outrageous wars that may have cost millions of lives, improve political relations, strengthen political and economic ties with other nations, and expressing one's thoughts on unity and integrity of India ( "All Indians are my brothers and sisters" as stated in the Indian Pledge). There have been and still are some famous personalities celebrating the festival of Raksha Bandhan in a unique way crossing the realms of what we call as blood relations.
At the time of partition of Bengal by the British Raj, Rabindranath Tagore used the festival of Raksha Bandhan in invoke a spirit of unity and brotherhood in the hearts and minds of the Hindu and Muslim communities. His main aim was to give a hard blow on the intentions of the Britishers to divide Bengal on the grounds of the religion. He made people tie Rakhi threads on each other's wrists to let the colonists know that it is difficult to divide them on the basis of their religion.
Late APJ Abdul Kalam referred the day of Raksha Bandhan as the "Righteous Day" in his popular poem on the subject. The poem states that when a sister ties a Rakhi on the wrist of her brother, it binds him to her for eternal protection and always doing what is right for her.
The words of the poem is as follows-
This full moon day our hearts are in brim Feeling of faith and serenity in mind. We light the lamps and our hears glow Radiance of happiness and peace are in flow. Harmonious homes are like streams of joy Flowing and flourishing the landscape en route. Nobility in heart and character in deed Righteous homes alone make a beautiful State. Sisters will tie the thread on the brothers Abiding them to do only what is right and clean. Put the Kumkum and blessed rice on the head Where will dwell right thoughts and noble action.
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi celebrates the festival of Raksha Bandhan among children and women from various segments of the society. After acquiring immense praises for his grounded nature and exceptional work done for both children and women, Mr. Modi is showered with love and blessings on the day of Rakhi. As he has no real sister, Qamar Mohsin Shaikh , his Rakhi sister, is celebrating the festival with him since the last 24 years.
Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India, also takes Raksha Bandhan as an opportunity to connect with children who are the future generations of India. Children from many schools participate and celebrate the festival with the president. He also expresses his thoughts on the day on social media and wish for everlasting brotherhood and safe society for women in the country.
Last year, Nitish Kumar took Raksha Bandhan as an opportunity to connect with Mother Nature. In time, when pollution is taking heavy toll on human lives, it is trees that can save us from this man-made wrath. The politician tied a Rakhi around a tree and planted trees on Raksha Bandhan in 2024. As trees are the perfect rescuers from any kind of health hazards, therefore, tying Rakhi to them and planting more trees around us is the best protection that we can ever ask for from nature.
Venkaiah Naidu is another popular politician who celebrates Raksha Bandhan to strengthen political relations and spread the message of unity and brotherhood in the country. He is a Rakhi brother to External Affair Minister, Sushma Swaraj, who celebrates the festival of Raksha Bandhan every year with him.