Srinagar, Aug 2: Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with fervor and gaiety in Kashmir on Thursday.
 The festival symbolises trust between sisters and brothers, with a sister praying for the lifelong well-being of her brother who in turn vows to help and protect her.
 The annual festival and yatra on the eve of Shrawan Purnamashi and Raksha Bandhan at Pracheen Cave of Lord Shiva at Thajiwara-Bijbehara was celebrated with traditional gaiety today.
 Thousands of devotees from all parts of the state and outside participated in the festival and yatra.
 The main features of the festival and yatra were Puja Archana held during the night of 1st and 2nd August at the shrine complex. The Managing Committee had made all the arrangements for the smooth conduct of yatra and festival with the active cooperation of district and local administration.
 Meanwhile, thousands of devotees thronged historic Shankracharya temple    to pay their obeisance.
 The Dharamarth Trust which manages the affairs of the Shankracharya had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth darshan of the Shiv Lingam in the temple. The temple was decorated to the occasion and special prayers were offered by the Sadhus in the temple.
 Minister for Higher Education, Labour and Employment Abdul Gani Malik greeted people on the occasion.
 In a statement issued here today, Malik said that the festival is a great reminder of the relations between brother and sister and every individual should respect and honour this relation in view of its sanctity and reverence.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 3 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST