STATE TIMES NEWS RAJOURI: Manav Utthan Sewa Samiti branch Jammu celebrated Rakshabandhan with the jawans of Chenab Brigade Army Camp Rajouri lines Jammu under the supervision of Mahatma Samta Bai and Mahatma Anrodh Bai. Mahatma Samta Bai and Mahatma Anurodh Bai visited Army Camp Rajouri Lines, Jammu and tied sacred thread on wrists of Officers and soldiers there. Bai extended his blessings and good wishes to all the jawans and their families for prosperous and goodwill gesture of their future lives. On the occasion Mohinder Singh, Inderjeet Sharma, Veer Krishan Pandita, Rishab Sharma of the Samiti were also present with Bai Ji. Bhadarwah: Raksha Bandhan festival, which symbolises the love and duty between brothers and sisters, was celebrated across Chenab Valley on Sunday while following all SOPs and Guidelines issued by Government and administration to contain further spread of Coronavirus. In Bhadarwah, the festival was celebrated with sisters tying rakhis on the wrists of their brothers while maintaining social distancing and following other guidelines. Sisters tied ‘Rakhis’ to their brothers praying for their long and prosperous life, and in turn, the brothers also promised to protect their sisters. The markets across the Bhadarwah received little bit higher purchasers in comparison of previous two years, when there was Curfew due to Abrogation of Article 370 and 35 in 2019 followed by lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic in 2020. There was little bit higher crowd in the markets with activities like girls and women buying colourful and varied Rakhis and gifts for their brothers. Sweetshops also have good business as compared with last years, as maximum women and girls visited market to buy sweets. Early morning people visited temples including Vasuki Nag, Gupt Ganga, Chandi Mata and others while following all SOPs and Guidelines. On the occasion, Muslims also greeted Hindu brotherens on this auspicious occasion. Special prayers were held for the prosperity and brotherhood across UT of Jammu and Kashmir as well as country as a whole. Divya, Tripta Devi, Rekha Devi, Twinkle, Nisha, Apika and Shalini Kotwal of Bhadarwah said, “we have no other option but to follow the guidelines regarding social distancing, wearing of Masks and sanitization to get rid of this deadly virus, but we have to celebrate this festival as it is concerned with well being of our brothers.” Shopkeepers said that in view of outbreak of novel Corona Virus, we have suffered a lot but this year, we have good business in comparison of last two years. Meanwhile, the Raksha Bandhan festival was also celebrated in Doda, Kishtwar, Gandoh, Ramban and Banihal areas of Chenab Valley with religious fervor. DDC Vice-Chairperson Doda Miss Sangeeta Bhagat also greeted people on the eve of Raksha Bandhan and prayed for well-being of all sections of society. Sangeeta said that this festival is a symbol of love, affection and trust. “May it brings peace, Health, happiness and success for all.” To celebrate the festival of love-a bond between brothers and sisters Raksha Bandhan, Girls Cadets from NCC senior division GDC Bhadarwah celebrated Rakhsha Bandhan with soldiers of Rashtriya Rifles unit based at Bhadarwah on Sunday. NCC girls Cadet of Government PG College Bhadarwah visited Army’s RR Battalion based at Bhadarwah and tied the Rakhis on the wrists of Jawans and officers, who are far away from their families. RR has adopted NCC girls Division. The Rashtriya Rifles located at Bhadarwah under the aegis of Counter Insurgency Force (Delta) organised Raksha Bandhan celebration at it’s headquarters Bhadarwah. The Rashtriya Rifles celebrate this festival to evidence the love and brotherhood between the soldier on duty and local school going children. A total of 20 girl NCC cadets from PG College, Bhadarwah and jawans were present during the occasion. The students interacted with Army personnel in an informal atmosphere. The students and teachers expressed their gratitude towards the Rashtriya Rifles for organising the event. The event was commenced by receiving of girl students and staff of NCC, 2nd JK (I) Company NCC, Bhadarwah, Government PG Degree College, Bhadarwah. The girl students brought Raksha Sutra (Rakhis) alongwith them and tied it on jawans symbolising the respect and love which the locals share towards the Indian Army. A Group Song was also presented by the girl students and staff. In reciprocation the girls students were presented with gifts as a token of thanks and promise of their protection. The event was conduced with serving of tea, refreshment and group photographs. Speaking on the occasion, students came their expressed their gratitude towards Army and said that the Rashtriya Rifles over the years has focused on bringing normalcy in the region and made valuable efforts towards development of the locals. Locals said that the efforts of the Army have finally brought peace and brotherhood back to Bhadarwah and its adjoining areas. By organising such events the Rashtriya Rifles further strengthened the bond that it shares with the locals and once again confirmed its firm commitment towards lasting peace and brotherhood in the area. NOWSHERA: Kalal Rashtriya Rifles battalion celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with children at kalal Base. Children from the nearby villages of Kalal participated in the celebration. The aim of the celebration was to increase brotherhood among the local populace and reinforce the bond between the people and army thus strengthening the Atoot Bandhan. A variety of events were planned for the occasion. The day started with Sweets distribution to children by the Army officials and tying of Rakhis by the children. The importance of the Raksha Bandhan was also organised a drawing competition amongst the children on the theme of Raksha Bandhan. Approximately, 30 children participated in the event. The children expressed their happiness and joy for attending the event. Such events being organised on a regular basis are the testimony of the relentless efforts made by the Indian Army to strengthen the bond between the local populace and the Indian Army. DODA: The Rashtriya Rifles located at Bhadarwah under the aegis of Counter Insurgency Force (Delta) organised Raksha Bandhan celebration at Bhaderwah (Sarna) included villages Bhalla and Gundoh today. Raksha Bandhan festival of love and bond between brothers and sisters was celebrated as love and brotherhood between the soldier on duty and local school going children. A total of 20 girl students from PG College, Bhaderwah and Jawans were present on the occasion. The students interacted with the Army personnel in an informal atmosphere. The students and teachers expressed their gratitude towards the Rashtriya Rifles for organising the event. The event commenced with receiving girl students and staff of NCC, 2 JK (I) Company NCC, Bhaderwah, Government PG Degree College, Bhaderwah. The girl students brought Raksha Sutra (Rakhis) along with them and tied it on wrists of jawans symbolising the respect and love which the locals share towards the Indian Army. A group song was also presented by the girl students and staff. In reciprocation the girl students were presented with gifts as a token of thanks and promise of their protection. The event concluded with the serving of tea, refreshment and group photographs. Speaking on the occasion Prof Prithavi Raj Associate NCC Officers PG College, Bhaderwah said that the Rashtriya Rifles over the years has focused on bringing normalcy in the region and made valuable efforts towards development of the locals. The efforts of the Army have finally brought peace and brotherhood back to Bhadarwah and its adjoining areas. By organising such events the Rashtriya Rifles further strengthened the bond that it shares with the locals and once again confirmed its firm commitment towards lasting peace and brotherhood in the area. KATRA: Disha Chatrawas Kadmal, Katra celebrated Raksha Bandhan where in 11 girls namely Laxhmi, Manvi, Kajal, Tanu, Rubina Akhtar, Sonali, Sweta, Sapna, Laxmi, Practice and Akshu from villages Kadmal and Nomani tied the knot among the students of Chatrawas. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Chief Patron, Sewa Bharti Jammu and Kashmir was the chief guest on the occasion. He spoke about the importance of Raksha Bandhan. Vote of thanks was presented by Sanjay Sharma, Incharge of the Disha Hostel. Function was concluded with distribution of Halwa Parshad. UDHAMPUR: On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, NGO Jiyo Aur Jeene Do organised a programme at their Head Office in which a number of women gathered there and tied the Rakhi to the President of NGO Tariq Shah. While briefing about the programme the President of NGO Tariq Shah said,” NGO organised an event in our office with a motive to spread the message of brotherhood and communal harmony. Many women came today and greeted for Rakshabandhan and tied Rakhi which signifies lovely bond of love between brother and sister. Mohini Verma, Anju Devi, Neena Koul, Renu Kumari, Priya Devi, Shakuntala Devi and many others were present.
