The management of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) leveraged Raksha Bandhan 2024 to raise awareness about tiger conservation. Women donned tiger masks while tying rakhis to men in villages and small towns surrounding the reserve.
On Monday, PTR announced on X that this was the third consecutive year they have marked Raksha Bandhan as Tiger Protection Day, extending the celebration to 130 villages and small towns around the reserve, including Seoni and Chhindwara district headquarters.
“For the third consecutive year, the Pench Tiger Reserve is celebrating Raksha Bandhan in a unique way as Tiger Protection Day. Continuing the tradition, we are celebrating Tiger Protection Day in 130 villages and some small towns near the tiger reserve and in Seoni and Chhindwara district headquarters by tying rakhis to villagers and society wearing tiger masks,” the PTR post read.
They added, “Just as a sister ties a Rakhi for her brother’s long life and her own safety, we all have promised today that we will protect our forests – the tigers and other wildlife. This unique Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival, but a resolution – to protect our forests and wildlife, and to contribute to their protection.”
PTR also shared a video showing women in tiger masks tying rakhis to their brothers. Another post on X highlighted more scenes from Bagh Raksha Diwas, noting, “Some more glimpses from Bagh Raksha Diwas being celebrated today in and around Pench Tiger Reserve.”
Watch the post here: