Raksha Bandhan strengthens the bonds of love, trust and social harmony: Bharat Priye

Jammu: Raksha Bandhan is not merely a traditional festival symbolising the bond between brothers and sisters; it is a celebration of affection, trust, mutual respect and the enduring values that hold families and society together, said Bharat Priye, Chairman, JKPCC Kissan Congress.

Extending his warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Bharat Priye said that the festival carries a deep emotional and social significance. The tying of rakhi represents a bond of care and commitment, while the exchange of blessings and affection strengthens the feeling of togetherness among family members.

He said that in today’s rapidly changing society, festivals such as Raksha Bandhan provide an important opportunity to reconnect with family values and remind the younger generation of the importance of relationships. “Raksha Bandhan teaches us that relationships are built on trust, respect, understanding and responsibility. The true essence of this festival goes far beyond a ritual; it is about standing by one another through every phase of life,” he said.

Bharat Priye emphasised that the significance of Raksha Bandhan should not be understood only in terms of the traditional brother-sister relationship. Its broader message is one of mutual protection, dignity, compassion and respect. He said that women deserve equal opportunities, dignity and security in every sphere of life, and society must collectively work towards creating an environment where every girl and woman can live with confidence and freedom.

He said that the festival also provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of sisters, daughters and women in strengthening families and communities. “A progressive society is one where women are not merely protected but empowered, respected and given equal opportunities to realise their aspirations,” Priye said.

The JKPCC Kissan Congress Chairman said that the values represented by Raksha Bandhan are equally relevant to rural communities and farming families. In villages, where families traditionally remain closely connected and community bonds play an important role, festivals have a special role in promoting unity and social cooperation.

He said farmers and rural families continue to preserve the country’s cultural traditions despite facing numerous economic and social challenges. Raksha Bandhan, he added, reminds everyone that the strength of a society lies in its ability to care for its vulnerable members and stand together during difficult times.

Bharat Priye further said that the festival should inspire people to move beyond narrow differences and strengthen the spirit of social harmony. Jammu and Kashmir has a rich tradition of people from different backgrounds celebrating festivals together, and this spirit of fraternity must be preserved and strengthened.

“Raksha Bandhan gives us a beautiful message that no relationship can remain strong without trust, respect and responsibility. Let us use this occasion to strengthen family bonds, promote harmony in society and reaffirm our commitment towards the dignity and empowerment of women,” he said.

He also appealed to parents and elders to use the occasion to teach children the importance of compassion, equality, respect and responsibility. The younger generation, he said, must understand that traditions become meaningful when their underlying values are reflected in everyday conduct.

Priye expressed hope that Raksha Bandhan would bring happiness, prosperity and peace to every household in Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen the bonds of affection among families and communities.“May this Raksha Bandhan inspire us to protect not only our loved ones but also the values of humanity, equality, compassion and social harmony. Let us celebrate the festival with happiness while reaffirming our responsibility towards building a more inclusive, peaceful and progressive society,” Bharat Priye said.