Amidst their duties far from home, CRPF jawans stationed at Srinagar Airport in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Raksha Bandhan, a festival honoring the bond between brothers and sisters. Despite the distance from their families, the soldiers of the 35th Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) came together to mark this special occasion.
The celebration featured the traditional tying of rakhi threads, which symbolize the promise of protection and affection between siblings. The jawans participated in the ritual by exchanging sweets and gifts, sharing the joy of the festival even while remaining on duty. This act of togetherness and festive spirit offered a moment of respite from their demanding responsibilities.
Commandant Vishnu Dwiwedi of the 35th Battalion CRPF at Srinagar Airport expressed the significance of the occasion, stating, “Today the nation celebrates the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan. Sisters tie rakhi to their brothers, who pledge to protect them in return.” He emphasized that both the CRPF jawans and their families stationed at the airport were observing the festival, renewing their commitment to safeguarding the nation.
This celebration exemplified the resilience and unity among the jawans, who demonstrated their dedication to their duties despite being away from their loved ones. Raksha Bandhan served as a reminder of the strong bonds among the soldiers, who form a close-knit family ready to support one another in challenging times.
Priyanka Yadav, who participated in the celebration, explained, “We have come here to tie rakhi to the security personnel because they are away from their families. We wanted to bring them some happiness and are enjoying this moment with them.”
The festival, known as Rakhi, is a traditional Hindu celebration that underscores the love and commitment between brothers and sisters. On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie rakhi around their brothers’ wrists, while brothers offer gifts as a sign of their love and care. This festival, rooted deeply in Indian culture, has been observed for centuries and is highlighted in Hindu religious texts as a symbol of protective bonds.
Despite the geographical and emotional distances, the Raksha Bandhan celebration among the CRPF jawans at Srinagar Airport illustrated their enduring spirit and mutual support, reinforcing their dedication to protecting peace and security.
