Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in Bhaderwah with warmth and emotion when schoolgirls tied rakhis to CRPF personnel, and the traditional festival became an emotional expression of gratitude and brotherhood.
Students and security personnel were on hand to celebrate, and the girls tied colourful rakhis on CRPF jawans' wrists. It was not only symbolic of Raksha Bandhan but also in recognition of security forces and how they keep the peace and security of Jammu and Kashmir.
Raksha Bandhan is traditionally celebrated as a bond between brothers and sisters, sisters tying a sacred thread, rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists and praying for their well-being. Brothers also promise to protect their sisters and give gifts as a sign of loyalty. But over the years, the festival has evolved into a more general festival of family connection, gratitude and mutual respect.
Bhaderwah was an accurate example of this wider sentiment. Schoolgirls attached rakhis to CRPF jawans as part of the brother-sister relationship to those who are serving the country. The celebration brought happiness and a bonding experience, and the students expressed their gratitude to the people who spend important festivals away from their own families and are doing their job.
As CRPF personnel were able to chat with local children and to have a traditional festival they were able to celebrate with them. Celebrations like these can be beneficial for the security forces and their people in areas where personnel are stationed for extended periods of time.
#WATCH | Bhaderwah, J&K: School girls tie rakhis to CRPF jawans on Raksha Bandhan pic.twitter.com/uRtRi9aOuE
— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2026
The sight of schoolgirls approaching the jawans with rakhis also highlighted the emotional aspect of festivals in Jammu and Kashmir. Aside from religious and cultural customs, Raksha Bandhan can also form the basis for solidarity and community building.
Family gatherings, traditional rituals and cultural programmes in Bhaderwah are part and parcel of the celebrations taking place during Raksha Bandhan, with family celebrations and festivals in all parts of India as well as people from all parts of the country celebrating Raksha Bandhan. Schools, community organisations and institutions in different parts of India often organise special events to celebrate the festival and recognize and thank people who serve society.
For those students participating in the Bhaderwah celebration, the simple act of tying a rakhi was a larger message. It was to show respect for CRPF and be a familial gesture towards those who serve far from home.
The event also illustrated how local communities can use cultural traditions to create moments of connection with security personnel. While the rakhi is merely a small thread, its symbolism is deeply rooted in trust, affection, and the promise of protection.
Bhaderwah was thus more than a Raksha Bandhan ceremony. It was a touching moment that brought schoolchildren and CRPF jawans together and showcased the festival's powerful message of brotherhood, respect and emotional solidarity.
