Lucknow, 24 Aug (HS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath sent an open public letter ('Paati') for Raksha Bandhan 2026,

portraying the festival as a collective societal vow for all women's safety,

honor, and self-respect, as well as proposing free bus travel for women.

It was emphasized that Raksha Bandhan is more than just a

thread tied around a wrist; it represents a sacred promise to the dignity and protection

of each sister and daughter.

Citizens were urged to tie rakhis to security forces, police

officers, and disaster relief workers as an expression of thanks, as well as to

purchase local products. From August 27 to August 29, 2026, complimentary

UPSRTC bus trips are being offered to women and one accompanying person.

Rooting the festival in Sanatan tradition: Drawing on

scripture and folk memory, the Chief Minister stated that the celebration

represents the Sanatan Sanskaars' rich history. He referred to a popular legend

in which Draupadi tore the edge of her saree and knotted it around Lord

Krishna's finger, a gesture Krishna returned by protecting her in her hour of

need. He also evoked the legend of Goddess Lakshmi tying a holy thread around

King Bali to make him her brother, ensuring Lord Vishnu's return. These

occurrences show that attachment not only strengthens relationships, but it

also promotes a sense of duty and protection, he stated.

Connecting Values to the Constitution: Positioning the

festival's message within a larger civic context, CM Yogi stated that as the

next generation develops through fast technological development, it becomes

even more vital to instill virtues of prudence, peace, and social togetherness

in everyday life. He stated that these principles build families, keep society

together, and empower the country by reaffirming the ideas of equality,

fraternity, and social harmony expressed in the Constitution's Preamble.

Governance Angle: Nine and a Half Years of Women-Centric Schemes: The Chief

Minister used the opportunity to highlight what he characterized as a

sensitive government's performance over the previous nine and a

half years. He mentioned Mission Shakti and the Chief Minister's Kanya

Sumangala Yojana as accelerators for daughters' safety, education, and growth. The

Chief Minister's Mass Marriage and Destitute Women's Pension Schemes were

identified as social security tools, while the Women Entrepreneur Credit Card

was positioned as a step toward economic independence for women in the state.

Women Get Free Bus Travel Returns: Continuing a trademark Rakshabandhan

program, CM Yogi said that free bus travel for women, which was launched on the

same date in 2017, will be accessible across Uttar Pradesh this year from

August 27 to August 29. He explained that the action is intended to ensure easy

and safe travel for ladies returning home to tie Rakhi or visiting siblings

during the festival season.

Call to Action Beyond the Family: To spread the spirit of

Rakhi beyond the home, the Chief Minister invited residents to tie Rakhi to

policemen, security forces, and disaster relief workers as a show of

appreciation for their service. He also invited locals to promise to respect

and safeguard each sister and daughter, making the festival's ethos a part of

their daily lives.

Vocal for Local: Supporting Indigenous Rakhis - CM Yogi urged

Uttar Pradesh residents to prioritize locally manufactured Rakhis and gifts

this year. Such a decision, he argued, would stimulate local labor, talents,

and entrepreneurship while also strengthening the drive for a self-sufficient

and prosperous Uttar Pradesh — linking the festival economy with the larger

Aatmanirbhar Bharat goal.

His letter to public reads as follows: “My esteemed fellow

citizens of the state, Raksha Bandhan is not merely a protective thread tied on

a brother's wrist; it is a sacred festival of affection, trust, and resolve

that binds families together, fosters a sense of kinship in society, and

reminds us of our duty toward the honor, safety, and dignity of our sisters and

daughters. This very sentiment of protection is also evident in the resolve of

a sensitive government. In the past nine and a half years, our government has

accorded the highest priority to the safety, honor, and self-reliance of

sisters and daughters. I urge you all to make the resolve of the protective

thread a part of your conduct. Pledge to uphold the honor and safety of every

sister and daughter. By tying the rakhi on the wrists of security personnel,

police officers, and disaster relief workers, express your sense of belonging

and gratitude toward them. At the same time, give preference to locally made

rakhis and gifts.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi