`Raksha Bandhan, the time-honoured ritual of protection and love, is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over country.

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 22: In order to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, a group of local women today visited CRPF camp of 144 Battalion at Boulevard here and tied rakhis on the wrists of the officers and soldiers who are posted away from their homes. On the occasion, the women exchanged sweets with the soldiers while the Jawans exchanged gifts with these women. Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Verma, second in command (2IC) of 144 BN, said that Raksha Bandhan is a festival to celebrate the bond between a brother and sister where brother takes the pledge to protect his sister. He added that as the soldiers remain away from their homes so the local women today visited our Battalion and tied rakhis on soldiers’ wrists who reciprocated by giving away gifts to them. He also expressed gratitude to the women who visited here and tied rakhis on their wrists and said that they feel honored by the gesture and affection. The event was organized by CRPF 144 BN in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.