Reaffirming the treasured bond of love and care between brothers and sisters, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated across the nation on Saturday with traditional fervour and gaiety.
Feasting, merry-making and exchange of gifts marked the the day as sisters, dressed in their fineries, applied 'tilak' on their brothers' foreheads and tied rakhis on their wrists praying for their happiness and prosperity.
Brothers, in turn, vowed to protect their sisters against all evils coming in way.
It was also the perfect occasion for family gatherings as people took time out from their busy schedules with several private sector companies declaring a holiday.
Sweets shops had long queues as crowds gathered for last-minute purchases. Similar scenes were witnessed outside gift shops and theatres across the country.
President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wished people on the occasion and hoped the festival would strengthen goodwill in the society.
Patil celebrated rakhi with children, including the differently-abled ones, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
In a symbolic gesture, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tied a rakhi to a tree.
"Today, the people of Bihar should pledge that every one of them will plant at least one tree each and tie rakhis to trees across the state," he said.
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