New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday greeted the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and hoped the festival helps strengthen the bonding among people and highlights the importance of women in society.

In her statement, the president said Raksha Bandhan "symbolizes love and mutual trust between sisters and brothers."

"May this festival strengthen fraternal feelings and the spirit of kindness and goodwill in our society, as we strive collectively for the well-being of our people," she added.

Raksha Bandhan is a reaffirmation of the sibling bond where sisters tie a thread, or rakhi, on their brothers' wrist.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his message said the "unique festival of Raksha Bandhan fosters community bonding irrespective of caste or creed and highlights the importance of women in Indian society".

He said the country "needs to renew its commitment to a just society free of all prejudice".

"May the festival bring happiness and peace to all," he added.

Vice President Hamid Ansari called upon people to imbibe the ideals associated with the festival to foster the spirit of amity, harmony and goodwill.

Ansari in his message said the festival promotes harmonious social life by reaffirming faith in the traditional values of love and protection.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said the festival "not only celebrates love and affection, but has always given a message of harmony and solidarity."

"It has helped humankind in understanding finer aspects of life among us. With time, the festival has gained more meaning and value in consolidating the fabric of our venerated composite culture."

She also tied rakhi to a group of differently-abled children at the parliament house Saturday.

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Picture of the Day

Muslims go to Makkah al Mukarrema in Saudi Arabia for Umrah entire year other than Haj times. However, during Ramadan, number of Umrah visitors increases manifold. According to a rough estimate, over 2.5 million Muslims come from across the world to Makkah al Mukarrema for Umrah during Ramadan.

(Photo: ummid.com)