The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan falls on Shravan Purnima and celebrates the filial bond between a sister and her brother. The sister ties ‘Rakhi’(a silk thread/band symbolizing their bond) on her brother’s wrist and prays for his welfare,  while the brother commits himself to protect and care for her. Indian history is replete with instances, where Hindu women have sent rakhis to Muslim men, asking them to protect their lives and honour – and the latter have risen to the occasion!

Transcending the boundaries of immediate family, this festival also promotes the feeling of unity and brotherhood in society, a commitment to help and protect each other, leading to an harmonious social life.

Dear Signatories, as part of the Call for Action #’s of the Shanti Sahyog petition #ChooseNonviolentDefence, spread the word to protest against war, thereby saving lives and protecting families. Let’s collectively work towards a World Beyond War so lives, property, heritage buildings are not ruined and homes not broken.