In a heartwarming display of tradition and affection, Qamar Mohsin Sheikh, originally from Karachi and now a resident of India, is all set to tie a Rakhi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi this Raksha Bandhan, continuing a bond that has lasted more than three decades.
Her yearly act has evolved into a symbol of peace that cuts across political, religious, and national divides.
A Handmade Rakhi and a Timeless Promise
Since the early 1990s, Sheikh has been attaching Rakhi to PM Modi and crafts each one by hand. This year, she has crafted a special Rakhi featuring the symbol ‘OM,’ a mark of spiritual connection.
“I make many Rakhis with my own hands every year before Raksha Bandhan, and in the end, I tie the Rakhi that I like the most on his wrist,” Sheikh told India Today, reflecting the personal and emotional effort she puts into the festival.
VIDEO | As Rakshabandhan approaches, Qamar Mohsin Sheikh, a Pakistani-origin woman living in Ahmedabad, is once again preparing to tie a handmade rakhi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuing a unique tradition that has lasted around 30 years.
Every year, Sheikh crafts… pic.twitter.com/SMWi5iPyc6
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 6, 2025
While she crafts several Rakhis annually, she chooses the one she feels the most connected with for the Prime Minister, making the gesture all the more heartfelt.
ALSO READ: Don’t Tie Rakhi During These Ashubh Muhurats on Raksha Bandhan 2025
A Relationship Rooted in Faith and Culture
Sheikh first met Modi in 1990 through the late Dr. Swaroop Singh, who was Gujarat’s governor at the time. This was the beginning of their special sibling bond. Since then, Sheikh and Modi have maintained a bond that has only gotten stronger over time, despite the fact that they are from Pakistan and practice different religions.
Due to constraints, she was unable to travel during the COVID-19 years; however, she and her spouse resumed their in-person visit in 2024. She is currently awaiting an official invitation to carry on the tradition in 2025 from the Prime Minister’s Office. Her prayers for Modi have become a spiritual constant.
#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Qamar Mohsin Shaikh with her husband Mohsin Shaikh show the rakhi she will tie to PM Narendra Modi on Raksha Bandhan, being celebrated on August 9 this year.
Qamar, who was born in Karachi, Pakistan and has been living in Ahmedabad since her… pic.twitter.com/DhvHZFkGQb
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2025
“Once I prayed for Modi to become PM and CM, both prayers have worked; now PM Modi is in his third term,” she said, beaming with pride.
ALSO READ: Did You Know Lord Ram Had a sister? The Untold Rakhi Ritual That Continues in Ayodhya
Raksha Bandhan: A Festival of Spiritual Bonds
One of the most emotionally charged holidays in Indian culture is Raksha Bandhan. It has legendary origins and is well-known for couples like Lord Krishna and Subhadra. Millions of siblings nationwide will celebrate Raksha Bandhan 2025, which starts on August 8 at 02:12 pm and ends on August 9 at 01:24 pm, as a celebration of their protective link and affection.
Qamar Mohsin Sheikh’s act goes beyond simply tying a thread; it is a declaration of solidarity, compassion, and spiritual support that cuts over political, religious, and geographic boundaries.
It serves as a potent reminder of the wonderful ways that holidays like Raksha Bandhan continue to bring people together. Sheikh’s tale of a Karachi sister who fervently prays for an Indian prime minister becomes even more moving as the day draws near.
