Lucknow, August 24: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his warm wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. In a letter, he emphasized that Raksha Bandhan is not merely a thread tied on a brother’s wrist, but a sacred festival symbolizing affection, trust, and commitment. This festival strengthens family bonds, fosters community warmth, and reminds us of our responsibilities towards the respect, safety, and dignity of sisters and daughters.
The Chief Minister noted that this year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 28, coinciding with the auspicious day of ‘Shravan Purnima.’ He described the festival as a representation of our enduring cultural traditions. The stories associated with this occasion reflect the essence of love and protection. According to folklore, when Draupadi saw blood flowing from Lord Krishna’s finger, she tore a piece of her sari to bind it. In return for her affection, Krishna protected her during her time of need.
Similarly, when Goddess Lakshmi tied a protective thread around King Bali, she made him her brother and brought Lord Vishnu along. These narratives illustrate that love not only forges relationships but also evokes a sense of duty and protection. Yogi emphasized that as the new generation advances with technological progress, it is more crucial than ever to incorporate these values into our conduct, prioritizing wisdom, harmony, and social unity. Such values strengthen our families, unite society, and empower the nation by reinforcing the principles of equality, brotherhood, and social cohesion enshrined in the Constitution.
The Chief Minister stated that this spirit of protection is also reflected in the commitments of a sensitive government. Over the past nine and a half years, the government has prioritized the safety, respect, and empowerment of sisters and daughters. Initiatives like Mission Shakti and the Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Scheme have accelerated the safety, education, and progress of girls. The Chief Minister’s mass marriage and destitute women’s pension schemes have provided social security. The Women Entrepreneur Credit Card is a significant step towards economic independence.
He announced that the free bus travel service for mothers and sisters, initiated in 2017, will be available again this year from August 27 to 29, ensuring safe and easy travel. The Chief Minister urged all residents to embrace the commitment of the protective thread in their actions, pledging to honor and safeguard every sister and daughter. He encouraged people to express gratitude and affection by tying protective threads on security personnel, police officers, and disaster relief workers.
Furthermore, he advised prioritizing locally made rakhis and gifts, stating that this would promote local labor, skills, and entrepreneurship, thereby strengthening the resolve for a self-reliant and developed Uttar Pradesh.
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