Islamabad/Lahore: Hindus across Pakistan celebrated `Raksha Bandhan` on Thursday, with prayers and events being organised at temples in cities like Hyderabad and Lahore to mark the festival that symbolises the special relationship between brothers and sisters.
Women tied a rakhi on the wrist of their brothers and prayed for their lifelong well-being.
At Hyderabad in southern Sindh province, which has a sizeable Hindu population, a large number of Hindu girls and women thronged temples to pray for their brothers.
Traders set up makeshift stalls inside temples to sell trendy `rakhis` in different colours and designs.
At Ehata Mohan Lal in Lahore, the Hindu community celebrated the festival at a special ceremony organised by the Hindu Sudhar Sabha.
After a puja, Hindu girls tied the sacred threads on the wrists of their brothers.
Hindu Sudhar Sabha leader Amarnath Randhawa described `Raksha Bandhan` as a symbol of harmonious family life.
"This occasion reminds us of the need to develop a sense of protection not only for our sisters but also for society," he said.
Raj Kumari, a 65-year-old Hindu woman, said: "I think this festival reflects the need for strong family relations and unity and brotherhood among all communities".
Mohini Kumari, a 12-year-old student, was happy to receive gifts and chocolates from her two brothers, Ameet Kumar and Sumeer Kumar.
"I love this festival as I receive lots of gifts and chocolates along with money from my brothers," Mohini said.
PTI
