Attock: The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with religious fervour at Gurdwara Panja Sahib on Friday, with Hindu and Sikh devotees from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalpindi, Attock and adjoining areas participating in the celebrations. Traditionally observed on the full moon of the Hindu month of Shravan, the festival symbolizes the bond of love, affection and protection between brothers and sisters. On the occasion, sisters tied sacred Rakhis around their brothers’ wrists and prayed for their health, prosperity and well-being, while brothers renewed their pledge to protect and support their sisters.
Colourful stalls were set up at the Gurdwara premises, displaying Rakhis decorated with beads, stones and vibrant threads. Women and girls visited the stalls and purchased the decorative sacred threads for their brothers. Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Kumar, a pandit from Kohat, said Raksha Bandhan was not merely a family tradition but also reflected love, trust, affection and mutual protection. He said sisters prayed for the safety and prosperity of their brothers, while brothers reaffirmed their commitment to care for and protect their sisters.
Shrawan Kumar, pandit at Attock Valmiki Temple, said Raksha Bandhan had deep roots in Hindu religious traditions and was associated with the ancient practice of tying a sacred protective thread known as Raksha Sutra. Asmat Ullah, caretaker of the temple under the Evacuee Trust Property Board, said the festival commenced on the full moon of Shravan and could continue for several days. Devotees said the celebrations provided an opportunity for families to strengthen their bonds and offer prayers for the well-being of their loved ones.
Special security arrangements were made at Gurdwara Panja Sahib by police and other law-enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of devotees attending the festival. The arrangements enabled participants to observe the religious celebrations peacefully and in a secure environment.
