Haridwar, August 28 (H.S.): Raksha Bandhan and Shravani Upakarma were celebrated with devotion and traditional rituals in Haridwar on Friday on the occasion of Shravan Purnima. A large number of devotees gathered at Har Ki Pauri and various other ghats along the Ganga from the morning.

Devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga, offered prayers and visited temples. Members of the Brahmin community performed Shravani Upakarma at various ashrams and along the Ganga ghats following traditional rituals.

The ceremonies included purification through Panchagavya, worship of sages, tarpan, changing of the sacred thread and recitation of the Vedas.

Pandit Manoj Tripathi, chief priest of Narayani Shila Temple, said Shravani Upakarma is an important ritual associated with self-purification, self-study and expressing gratitude towards the tradition of sages. He said devotees also take a resolve to continue the study of the Vedas on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with enthusiasm in homes across the city. Sisters tied rakhi on their brothers' wrists and prayed for their happiness, prosperity, long life and well-being. Brothers pledged to protect, respect and support their sisters.

Markets in Haridwar also witnessed considerable activity, with crowds visiting shops selling rakhis, sweets and gifts.

According to the Panchang, Raksha Bandhan was observed on Friday along with Shravan Purnima. The Purnima tithi continued until 9:48 am.

Raksha Bandhan symbolises the bond of love, trust and family ties between brothers and sisters, while Shravani Upakarma is an important festival rooted in the Vedic tradition. The observance of both festivals on the same day created a unique confluence of religious and social traditions in Haridwar.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar