25 August,2026 08:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The activity also provided students with an opportunity to showcase their creativity while fostering patriotism
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan 2026, students of Panvel Municipal Corporation School No. 5, Jeevan Shikshan Vidyamandir, Mothe Khanda, marked the festival by making handmade rakhis for soldiers serving along the country's borders.
The initiative, titled âOne Rakhi for Soldiers', was organised for the fourth consecutive year to express gratitude, respect and affection towards armed forces personnel who remain away from their families while performing their duties.
The programme was organised on the instructions of Panvel Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale and under the guidance of Education Department Deputy Commissioner Nanasaheb Kamathe and Education Officer Ramesh Chavan.
Education Department Superintendent Deepak Silkan and teacher Dnyanesh Ramchandra Aldar have been leading the initiative at the school for the past four years.
Under the guidance of school principal Shubha Awhad, teachers Sunita Bade, Anjali Desai, Nilofar Sheikh, Devangana Mumbaikar and Jayshree Khandekar helped students make colourful and attractive rakhis by hand.
Through the initiative, students conveyed their wishes for the soldiers' long lives, good health, happiness and prosperity, while expressing their appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
The activity also provided students with an opportunity to showcase their creativity while fostering patriotism, gratitude, social responsibility and respect for the armed forces.
The initiative was carried out with enthusiasm at the school for the fourth consecutive year.
With three days to go for Raksha Bandhan 2026, markets across Delhi and other parts of India are witnessing a surge in festive shopping, with traders reporting strong demand for traditional and theme-based rakhis.
Major Delhi markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Gandhi Nagar, Khari Baoli and Laxmi Nagar, have seen a steady influx of shoppers, particularly during the evening hours.
According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the overall rakhi trade is expected to reach nearly Rs 25,000 crore across the country this year, with Delhi alone projected to account for around Rs 4,000 crore.
Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk and National Secretary General of CAIT, said traditional rakhis are being joined by designs inspired by patriotism, government initiatives and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Among the popular designs are Viksit Bharat Rakhi, Modi Guarantee Rakhi, BrahMos Rakhi, Nari Vandan Rakhi, Atmanirbhar Bharat Rakhi, Vocal for Local Rakhi, Bharat Gaurav Rakhi, Lakhpati Didi Rakhi, Namami Gange Rakhi, Rashtra Raksha Sutra Rakhi and Amrit Kaal Rakhi.
Khandelwal said the BrahMos, Rashtra Raksha Sutra and Viksit Bharat rakhis have particularly attracted young consumers and children.
Among women shoppers, Nari Vandan and Lakhpati Didi rakhis are reportedly popular for their themes of empowerment and self-reliance this Raksha Bandhan 2026.
