New Delhi:
Celebrating and reaffirming the sibling bond where sisters tie a decorated thread or Rakhi on their brothers' wrist, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated on Thursday with much fervour and colour in the capital.
The festival symbolises trust between sisters and brothers, with a sister praying for the lifelong well-being of her brother who in turn vows to help and protect her.
Since early morning, women and young girls dressed in all their fineries and intricate henna motifs on their hands were seen en route to their brothers' homes.
Eight-year-old Mahi could not stop gushing after getting a box of chocolates from her brother, "I love this festival. Every year I get lots of gifts and this time my brother gifted me chocolate box."
Ruchi Mishra, a young doctor, was on her way to the airport to receive her brother who was coming from Bangalore to celebrate this Raksha Bandhan with her.
She said: "It is going to be best Raksha Bandhan. My brother is coming after five years to celebrate the festival with me."
"For the last five years, we could not celebrate this festival together due to our professional commitments. This time we decided to celebrate it together. I am going to receive him at the airport to give him a surprise," said Ruchi.
Rohit, an engineering student, has planned to take his younger sister Shikha for a movie and shopping. "I am taking her to watch 'Ice Age 4'. It is a 3-D movie and I am sure she would love it. Later we will have lunch and some shopping for her."
For those who could not be with their siblings on this day, mails and phone calls started pouring in since early morning.
Ritika, a young journalist going to cover Team Anna's fast, said: "My brother works in the US, so I posted him a Rakhi. He called me early this morning and said that my gift is on its way. When he was in Delhi, we would argue over the silliest of things, but now I miss him. He always stands up for me like an over-protective father, but I like it."
The Delhi Metro is running 160 extra trips to avoid over-crowding as the ridership increases by about one lakh on Raksha Bandhan every year.
The president, vice president and the prime minister greeted the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.