India Celebrated Raksha Bandhan on Aug. 2

The festival of love between sisters and brothers, known as Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Festival, is being celebrated across India on Aug. 2, 2012 with full enthusiasm.

The central ceremony involves the tying of a sacred thread, Rakhi by a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well being, and the brother's vow to protect her long life.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh have greeted the nation on the occasion.