Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, extending greetings to the people of the state ahead of Rakshabandhan, said the festival is not merely about tying a sacred thread on a brother’s wrist but represents a commitment to protecting the honour, safety and self-respect of sisters and daughters.
In a letter issued ahead of the festival, the Chief Minister said Rakshabandhan, which will be celebrated on August 28 this year on the occasion of Shravan Purnima, symbolises the enduring traditions and values of Sanatan culture.
“The stories associated with this festival also embody this same spirit of love and protection,” he said.
Referring to folk traditions, Adityanath cited the story of Draupadi tearing the edge of her saree to tie Lord Krishna’s bleeding finger, saying Krishna later reciprocated her affection by protecting her in times of crisis.
He also referred to the legend of Goddess Lakshmi tying a sacred thread around King Bali and making him her brother. “These incidents demonstrate that affection not only builds relationships, it also fosters a sense of responsibility and protection,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that as the younger generation advances with technological progress, it is important to incorporate traditional values into conduct and promote prudence, harmony and social unity.
“These values strengthen our families, keep society united, and empower the nation by strengthening the values of equality, fraternity and social harmony enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution,” he said.
Adityanath said the spirit of protection was also reflected in the commitment of a “sensitive government”. Over the past nine-and-a-half years, he said, the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh had prioritised the safety, dignity and self-reliance of women and girls.
“Mission Shakti and the Chief Minister’s Kanya Sumangala Yojana have accelerated the safety, education and progress of daughters. The Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage and Destitute Women’s Pension Schemes have provided social security. The Women Entrepreneur Credit Card is an important step towards economic independence,” he said.
He added that the free bus travel facility for women, which was started in 2017 on Rakshabandhan, would continue this year from August 27 to August 29 to facilitate smooth and safe travel.
Wishing the people of the state on Rakshabandhan, the Chief Minister urged them to translate the festival’s pledge into their conduct and commit themselves to respecting and protecting every sister and daughter.
He also appealed to people to express affection and gratitude towards members of the security forces, police personnel and disaster relief workers by tying Rakhis to them.
Adityanath further urged people to give preference to locally produced Rakhis and gifts.
“This effort will encourage local labour, skills and enterprise, and further strengthen the resolve for a self-reliant and developed Uttar Pradesh,” he said.