The celeberations were marked with tying of rakhis, exchange of gifts,feasting and merry-making.
President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wished people on 
the occasion and hoped the festival will strengthen goodwill in the society.
The President celebrated the occasion with with children, including the differently-abled ones, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.Over 100 children tied Rakhi on her. The Children also went to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s residence to tie rakhi on his wrist.
In a symbolic gesture, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tied a rakhi to a tree and asked the people of the state to pledge that every one will plant at least one tree each and tie rakhis.
The Delhi Transport Corporation allowed women to travel free in their buses today.
In Uttar Pradesh, sweet and rakhi shops were overcrowded with people. Our correspondent reports that this year fancy Rakhis from China and handmade were the favourite choices for sisters .
In Punjab, special permission was granted to sisters of prisoners to meet their brothers and tie Rakhi.
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