From Pune to the Border: 8,000 Rakhis Reach Soldiers for Raksha Bandhan in Jammu and Kashmir

Poonch/ Jammu and Kashmir, 28th August 2026: Thousands of soldiers deployed along the borders in Poonch, Keran and Uri in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Raksha Bandhan this year with a special gesture of affection from Pune, as rakhis collected from residents of the city were tied on their wrists.

The initiative was organised under the banner ‘From Pune to the Border… A Bond with the Nation Through the Thread of Rakhi’ by Shri Pandurang Adarsh Seva Trust and ‘Aamhi Punekar’.

The Raksha Bandhan journey travelled nearly 2,500 kilometres from Pune to reach the border areas. Around 7,000 to 8,000 rakhis, collected from women, students, citizens, social organisations and other residents of Pune, were taken to the soldiers.

During the celebrations, the participants tied rakhis on the soldiers’ wrists and offered them sweets while conveying Raksha Bandhan greetings. The interaction between the soldiers and visitors also became an emotional moment, particularly as many of the personnel are stationed away from their families while serving in challenging border areas.

The participants expressed gratitude for the soldiers’ service and paid tribute to their contribution to the security of the country. The organisers said the initiative was intended to convey that Raksha Bandhan can extend beyond the traditional brother-sister relationship and become a way for citizens to express their affection and gratitude towards soldiers guarding the nation.

The programme was attended by Shri Pandurang Adarsh Seva Trust president Suraj Pardeshi, ‘Aamhi Punekar’ president Hemant Jadhav, Sagar Bodgire, ‘Aamhi Mavale Pratishthan’ president Narendra Doiphode, along with military personnel, border officials and schoolgirls.

The organisers said the rakhis donated by Pune residents were taken directly to the border and tied on the wrists of soldiers to strengthen the emotional connection between citizens and members of the armed forces.

The journey, which began in Pune, concluded at the border with the Raksha Bandhan celebrations. The organisers described the rakhis as a symbol of the affection, blessings and gratitude of Pune residents towards soldiers serving on the frontlines.

The celebrations in the border areas brought together soldiers and civilians in an atmosphere of camaraderie, with the initiative highlighting the bond between Pune residents and personnel serving away from their families.