Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 28 August extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, expressing his heartfelt wish that the bond of love, affection, and mutual trust between siblings remains forever unbreakable. Modi shared his message on social media platform X, joining a chorus of senior leaders who marked the festival with public greetings.

PM Modi's Message

'Heartfelt wishes on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. May this sacred festival bring happiness, prosperity, and success into all your lives. May the bond of love, affection, and mutual trust remain forever unbreakable — that is my heartfelt wish,' Modi posted on X.

The message reflects the Prime Minister's consistent tradition of publicly acknowledging major Indian festivals and reinforcing their cultural significance.

Senior Leaders Join the Occasion

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin also conveyed his greetings, emphasising that Raksha Bandhan strengthens cultural values and familial bonds. 'Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan. This festival, embodying the affection, trust, and vow of protection between siblings, further strengthens our cultural values and familial bonds. May this sacred occasion bring love, joy, and prosperity into everyone's lives — that is our heartfelt wish,' Nabin said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the festival as a reflection of India's rich cultural heritage and linked its spirit to the broader commitment to women's safety and empowerment. 'This festival, embodying the unbreakable affection, mutual trust, and deep bond between brother and sister, beautifully reflects our rich cultural heritage and values. It also inspires us to remain committed to the honor, safety, and dignity of women,' Singh said, adding that society must grow 'even more vigilant and sensitive towards the respect, self-respect, and empowerment of women.'

The Significance of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is observed annually on Purnima — the full moon day — of the Hindu lunisolar month of Shravana, which typically falls in August. On this day, sisters tie colourful rakhis on their brothers' wrists, pray for their well-being, and receive gifts in return, along with a brother's pledge to stand by them through all of life's challenges.

As part of traditional celebrations, sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads before tying the rakhi, while families exchange sweets and gifts. The festival is widely observed across India and Nepal.

Cultural and Social Context

Notably, senior political leaders across parties have increasingly used Raksha Bandhan to publicly affirm commitments to women's safety — a theme that has gained particular resonance given ongoing national conversations around gender security. Defence Minister Singh's remarks connecting the festival's spirit to women's empowerment are consistent with this broader trend. This year's celebrations come at a time when the festival's cultural messaging is being amplified through official channels at the highest levels of government.