Prez, PM wish nation on Raksha Bandhan

President APJ Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday greeted the nation on the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

President APJ Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday greeted the nation on the festival of Raksha Bandhan, and said it was an occasion to promote peace and harmony in the country.

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"The festival of Raksha Bandhan is a unique festival, which symbolises the bonds of love, affection and mutual trust between a sister and a brother," Kalam said in a statement.

"The festival reminds us of the importance of traditional values and bonds in our society. On this occasion let us contribute in whichever way possible to bring happiness to the needy," the President added.

In a similar vein, the Prime Minister said the festival symbolises affection, commitment and happiness. "On this auspicious occasion, let us make renewed efforts to promote peace and harmony in the society," Manmohan Singh said.

On this festival, which falls on Wednesday, sisters tie a thread - Rakhi - on their brothers' wrists and pray for their long life.

Brothers, in turn, pray for their sisters' health and happiness and pledge to be with them in the event of adversities.