Raksha Bandhan, the strong bond of love and protection

Bhubaneswar: It's that day of the year when fights and arguments usually between sisters and brothers take a back seat. Since ages, Raksha Bandhan has been a celebration of the lifelong bond between brothers and sisters in the country.

Several programmes were organised in the twin city of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to mark the Raksha Bandhan festival today. People flocked markets buy rakhis and sweets.

"We love the festival very much as we prepare a ‘puja thali’ containing colourful and decorated rakhis, tilak, rice grains, diyas and sweets and perform ‘aarti’ and tie rakhi on our brothers wrist," said Swati, a resident of Bhubaneswar.

The Bramha Kumaris also observed the festival with much enthusiasm in Bhubaneswar.

#WATCH: Raksha Bandhan celebrations at Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya in #Bhubaneswar #RakhiPurnima #RakshaBandhan #RakshaBandhan2018 #Odisha pic.twitter.com/8uTlUM8PA7

— OTV (@otvnews) August 26, 2018

Raksha Bandhan is observed on the last day of holy Shravan month and marks the bond between sisters and brothers.

The festival also holds significance in Odisha as the day is celebrated as 'Gamha Purnima' which also marks the birthday of Lord Balabhadra.

As per tradition, Goddess Subhadra also ties rakhi to her two brothers- Lord Balabhadra and Jagannath in Puri Srimandir. Patara Bisoi sevayat prepare the rakhis with Basunga Patta for the Lords. Lord Balabhadra wears green and purple coloured rakhi while Lord Jagannath adorns red and yellow rakhi on the occasion.

Raksha Bandhan is also being celebrated with fervour across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished the people on the auspicious day today.

सभी देशवासियों को रक्षाबंधन के पावन पर्व की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। Greetings on Raksha Bandhan.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 26, 2018

Former Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda also urged to celebrate the festival to promote women empowerment and security of the girls.

#Rakhi is abt the eternal bond of love,security, & wamth btw brothers & sisters. It celebrates the power of a woman when she ties the string of protection on her brother. This #RakhshaBandhan, @PandaJay urges all to promote women empowerment & secure her. #HappyRakshaBandhan pic.twitter.com/Ho9lqSBkmS

— Office of Jay Panda (@mp_office) August 26, 2018