Rakhi of Harmony at the Border! Women of Nadia Tie Rakhi on BSF Jawans, Strengthening the Bond of Brotherhood
**Nadia:** On the day of Raksha Bandhan festival, a unique picture of harmony and brotherhood was captured at the India-Bangladesh border in Nadia. Women from the area tied rakhi on the wrists of BSF jawans at the Gede border in Krishnagar, binding them in a bond of brotherhood. Not only Indian citizens but also citizens from Bangladesh were adorned with rakhi. As a result, the Raksha Bandhan festival effectively turned into a celebration of harmony between the two Bengals.
The Raksha Bandhan festival began at the Gede border from Friday morning. Women from Nadia and various parts of the state tied rakhi on the wrists of BSF jawans who are on duty day and night to protect the country's borders. They also applied tilak on their foreheads and offered sweets. In this way, they emotionally connected with the jawans who have been away from their families for a long time while serving the country's security.
The Gede border, an important part of the India-Bangladesh border in Nadia, is surrounded by barbed wire. Despite adverse conditions, BSF jawans remain dedicated to the country's security. This special initiative is to express respect and gratitude towards them, as stated by the organizers.
Laboni Majumdar, who participated in the event, said, **“Raksha Bandhan is one of the traditions of Indian culture and heritage. The festival of Raksha Bandhan gained special significance in Bengal through the initiative of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. Today, by tying rakhi on the wrists of BSF jawans and citizens from Bangladesh, an effort has been made to strengthen the bond of harmony and brotherhood between the two countries.”**
Former MLA of Krishnagar constituency, Ashish Kumar Biswas, present at the event, stated that the jawans dedicated to the country's security stay away from their families. To ensure they do not feel the absence of family, women from the area as well as various parts of the district and state came to tie rakhi on the jawans. He expressed pride and joy in being part of this event.
On the other hand, Asif Sheikh, a citizen from Bangladesh, shared his happiness about participating in the event. He said, **“Such culture does not exist in Bangladesh. Coming to India, the women here have tied rakhi on me, calling me brother, and made me eat sweets. It feels very good, I am very happy.”**
The resident of the border, Jot's Box, was also moved by the event. He said that despite being unwell, the sisters tied rakhi on him, which is a matter of great joy and pride for him. He also requested that next year, the sisters come again to tie rakhi on them in the same way.
The event of Raksha Bandhan created an emotional atmosphere at the Gede border. Rising above religion, caste, and national boundaries, the message of brotherhood, humanity, and harmony spread. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, this event at the Gede border became a reflection of how human relationships and bonds of goodwill can be formed across the barbed wire of the border.
