Jamshedpur: The former Chief Minister Raghubar Das joined the rakhi celebrations with his siblings and other cousins along with other local women at his Agrico residence on Thursday. The sisters followed tradition and tied rakhi to their former Chief Minister brother.
“I am happy to be here with my sisters. Today is the day of sisters. I wish all the sisters of Jharkhand a happy Raksha Bandhan and we are proud of all our sisters in Jharkhand,” Das said after the ceremony of Raksha Bandhan at home.
Traditionally a festival of North India, Raksha Bandhan is fervently celebrated in Jamshedpur, portraying the city’s rich cultural tapestry. The occasion, which marks the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, was celebrated with joyous enthusiasm, encapsulating the essence of tradition and familial ties.
Despite the changing times and the prevalence of modernity, the spirit of Raksha Bandhan remained deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of Jamshedpur. This annual festival was observed with the customary joy and merriment that have come to define the celebrations.
The festival’s significance extended beyond familial ties, as the local postal department witnessed brisk business during this season. Raksha Bandhan, known for strengthening the bond between siblings, inadvertently contributed to strengthening the local postal system as well.
The festival, celebrated on Thursday, saw young individuals thronging the markets to select the perfect gift for their sisters. The choices ranged from imported chocolates, trendy kurtis, alluring perfumes, elegant watches, and even cutting-edge laptops. In response to the demand for convenience, several shops offered a selection of readymade rakhi sets, complete with kumkum, rice, rakhi, and sweets.
The tradition of exchanging rakhis has expanded to include bonds of friendship, a practice increasingly popular among school and college students. Rakhi Poornima was marked by temple rituals and the ceremonial changing of sacred threads, symbolizing the renewal of vows and the deepening of relationships.
A senior official from the Jamshedpur Post Office, Bistupur, revealed that the city transported over a thousand rakhis daily. Despite the digital age, the postal services maintained their relevance, reflecting people’s enduring reliance on traditional communication methods.
This festive season also witnessed an increase in the use of Speed Post services, contributing to the department’s additional revenue. The post offices across the city meticulously organized their operations to ensure they played the perfect messenger, bridging emotional distances.
Rekha Tripathy, a resident of Bistupur, shared her sentiments, “My brother studies in Mumbai, and like every year, I sent him a designer rakhi through Speed Post. Despite the popularity of e-rakhis, I still rely on the traditional thread. What better way to send it than through the post? Raksha Bandhan strengthens the bond and solidifies the loving fraternal relationship between brother and sister.”
