Lucknow, Aug 24 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while extending his greetings to the people of the state for the upcoming occasion of Rakshabandhan, said in a letter that the event is not just a sacred thread tied on a brother's wrist, but a festival that reminds people of their responsibility to protect the honour, safety, and self-respect of sisters and daughters.In his letter, CM Yogi said, "This festival, celebrated this year on August 28 on the auspicious occasion of Shravan Purnima, symbolises this strong tradition of our Sanatan Sanskaars. The stories associated with this festival also embody this same spirit of love and protection. Folk tradition holds that Draupadi, seeing Lord Krishna's finger bleeding, tore the edge of her saree and tied it. Shri Krishna reciprocated Draupadi's affection by protecting her in times of crisis."

Similarly, he said that by tying a sacred thread around King Bali, Goddess Lakshmi made him her brother and brought Lord Vishnu with her. "These incidents demonstrate that affection not only builds relationships, it also fosters a sense of responsibility and protection," he added. "Today, as the new generation progresses with technological advancements, it is more important than ever to incorporate these values ​​into our conduct and prioritise prudence, harmony, and social unity. These values ​​strengthen our families, keep society united, and empower the nation by strengthening the values ​​of equality, fraternity, and social harmony enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution," the Chief Minister said.The Chief Minister said that this same sense of protection is also reflected in the resolve of a "sensitive government". Over the past nine and a half years, he said that the BJP government has "prioritised the safety, respect, and self-reliance of our sisters and daughters". 

"Mission Shakti and the Chief Minister's Kanya Sumangala Yojana have accelerated the safety, education, and progress of daughters. The Chief Minister's Mass Marriage and Destitute Women's Pension Schemes have provided social security. The Women Entrepreneur Credit Card is an important step towards economic independence," he said.He said that free bus travel for women, started in 2017 on Rakshabandhan, will continue this year from August 27 to August 29 to "ensure smooth and safe travel".While wishing everyone in the state a happy Rakshabandhan, CM Yogi urged them to make the Rakhi pledge part of their conduct. "Take a pledge to respect and protect every sister and daughter. Express affection and gratitude to security forces, police personnel, and disaster relief workers by tying Rakhi to them," he added.He urged them to prioritise locally produced Rakhis and gifts. "This effort will encourage local labour, skills, and enterprise, and further strengthen the resolve for a self-reliant and developed Uttar Pradesh," he added.

/IANS