Continuing a tradition that has spanned over two decades, Ujjain-based Sangini Group will once again celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Indian soldiers posted along the country's borders. This year marks the 21st consecutive year that members of the social organisation will travel to Rajouri and Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir to personally tie rakhis on the wrists of soldiers serving in forward areas.

Along with the border visits, the organisation is also dispatching around 10,000 rakhis by post to security personnel deployed in different parts of the country.

Two-Decade-Old Tradition Continues

Sangini Group has been observing Raksha Bandhan with the armed forces for more than 20 years.

Initially, the organisation sent rakhis to soldiers through postal services. Over the years, the initiative expanded, and members now travel to remote military locations to celebrate the festival with troops stationed at the country's borders.

This year, a delegation of women from the group will visit two military posts in Kargil and two posts in the Rajouri sector to tie rakhis and interact with soldiers.

Emotional Moments with Soldiers

Group member Mamta said many soldiers posted in remote and high-altitude locations do not receive rakhi from their families on time due to logistical challenges.

She said the soldiers often become emotional when women from the organisation tie rakhis on their wrists, describing the moment as similar to meeting their own sisters.

According to the group, several soldiers also make video calls to their families after the ceremony to show the rakhi they received.

Extensive Planning Required

Organising the annual visit involves extensive planning and coordination.

The group said permissions from the Indian Army and local administrative authorities are required before visiting sensitive border areas. Preparations begin nearly one to two months in advance, during which rakhis are collected from various social organisations and volunteers.

Many of these rakhis are first dispatched through the postal network, while the visiting team carries thousands more to distribute personally at border posts.

Over Two Lakh Soldiers Reached

According to Sangini Group, the initiative has reached around two lakh soldiers since it began.

Every year, thousands of rakhis are sent to troops stationed across different border regions, while the organisation's members continue the tradition of personally visiting military posts to celebrate the festival with security personnel.

The initiative aims to honour the service and sacrifice of soldiers by ensuring they feel connected to the spirit of Raksha Bandhan, even while serving far from their families.