Raksha Bandhan celebrated with traditional fervor in Jammu with security forces

Raksha Bandhan is one of the major festival celebrated all across Bharat with zeal and warmth. In Jammu too the festival of siblings was celebrated with enthusiasm. The highlight of the festival was children from various schools across Jammu celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the security force personnel. Students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan schools observed Raksha Bandhan by tying Rakhis to soldiers of the Army, CRPF, ITBP, Air Force, BSF, RR force and police personnel in different parts of Jammu region.

In Doda district, the festival was marked with traditional fervor with sisters tying rakhis to their brothers wrists and in return taking gifts from them. The Bhartiya Vidya Mandir schools girls tied ‘rakhis’ to the soliders of the 72nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) deployed at Khellani in Doda district who selflessly serve at the borders, even on holidays and festivals around the clock. The festival was attended by Commandant Jagdish Bhat (AC) along with 4 Sub Inspectors, 28 Constables and personnel of other ranks. Deputy Commandant of SSB Khellani along with Dr Faheem Shazad of Trauma Hospital, Khellani, Satish Thakur, Principal of B.V.M and all teachers of the school were present on the occasion. CO Jagdish Bhat (AC) addressed the event and spoke on the importance of good relations between the people and the security forces. Raksha Bandhan showcases this aptly, he said in his address.

In Bhaderwah, the students, staff and management of Bhartiya Vidya Mandir (BVM) at Gatha, celebrated Raksha Bandhan with CRPF personnel at Dumail in Bhaderwah. The students tied Rakhis on the wrists of CRPF Soldiers and the officers of the unit. Assistant Commandant, Sahil Gupta addressed the gathering and extended wishes of Raksha Bandhan Secretary and Principal of Bhartiya Vidya Samiti were present on the occasion. Secretary of BVM Gatha, Sushil Sharma, addressed the occasion and thanked the CRPF unit for their cooperation and making the event a grand success.

Meanwhile, members of BJP Mahila Morcha along with volunteers, students and teachers of Ekal Vidyalya celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the soldiers and officers of 4 Rashtriya Rifles at Gandoh in Jammu district. The women who tied Rakhi prayed for the well-being of their brothers (soldiers) and the soldiers vowed to protect their sisters. Company Commander of 4 RR at Gandoh addressed the occasion and said that the festival was a display of the bonhomie between the people and the forces.

In Nagrota, students of BVM tied rakhis to the personnel of 42nd CRPF battalion. Students of BVM Basohli also participated in the festivities. The CRPF who were emotional witnessing little girls tie Rakhi to them, blessed the children wholeheartedly. They then gave books, fruit drinks, pen and pencils as gifts to the students. Later, the students also visited the Divyang Ashram in Basholi and tied Rakhis to the children there.

A unique Rakhi making competition was organised at the Bhartiya Vidya Mandir High School in Udhampur. The competition included kite making, card making, along with making Rakhis. The event brought out the hidden talents in the children and educated them about creating wealth out of waste. The event helped a lot to enhance the creative and innovative thinking among the studetns and helped to strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters, says the Principal Renu Sharma. All items had to be prepared using waste materials. The students tied Rakhis to boys at the school who pledged to protect their sisters and respect all women.

The Rakhis prepared were then tied on the BSF soldiers in Udhampur and sweets were distributed.