Indore's Harmonious Blend of Tradition, Community Spirit, and Eco-Consciousness during Raksha Bandhan Celebrations
In the vibrant city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with a unique twist in 2025. The festival, known for its tradition of brother-sister bonding, took on a new significance, focusing on women's empowerment and eco-friendly initiatives.
The Madhya Pradesh government supported this shift through its "Laadli Behna" scheme. Under this scheme, each sister received a financial boost of Rs. 1,500, with an additional Rs. 250 festive bonus in Saavan. This initiative aimed to empower women financially and socially, and it will continue monthly after Diwali as part of broader women-centric welfare efforts.
The city's cultural and tourism development also embraced sustainable practices, although not exclusively tied to Raksha Bandhan celebrations. Madhya Pradesh has been actively promoting eco-friendly infrastructure, such as solar lighting, EV charging stations, and green upgrades in various localities, including Indore's surroundings. These efforts contributed to an eco-conscious environment consistent with the spirit of festivals like Raksha Bandhan.
Educational institutions in Indore, such as Pragya Girls School, also celebrated Raksha Bandhan, emphasising trust, love, and contemporary social values including empowerment.
While there were no large public events integrating eco-friendly rakhi tying or waste management during the 2025 Raksha Bandhan in Indore, the ongoing governmental and social focus on sustainability and empowerment was evident.
A significant family gathering took place at the Khajrana Ganesh Temple in Indore. Padma Shri Janak Palta McGilligan marked Rakhi by planting 60 tree saplings in Sanawadiya village. This eco-friendly Rakhi tradition began in 1985 when Janak Didi and her Rakhi brother, Rajendra Ochani, planted their first tree together.
The Dalal family, too, celebrated Raksha Bandhan with a momentous occasion at the Bhakt Niwas in Khajrana. The family gathering spanned five generations, and the festival was about togetherness and creating memories.
Atal Indore City Transport Service Limited (AICTSL) also joined the cause, offering free travel on city buses for female commuters on Raksha Bandhan. This initiative aimed to ensure the safety of women during their travel.
Dr. Bharat Rawat attended the event and gifted jute bags to everyone, promoting a Zero-Waste Rakhi.
In summary, Raksha Bandhan 2025 in Indore combined traditional celebration with government-led financial support for women and is set within Madhya Pradesh’s larger context of eco-friendly initiatives and women’s empowerment programs. The event was a testament to the power of collective responsibility for environmental conservation and women's empowerment.
- As part of the broader women's empowerment and eco-friendly initiatives in Indore, educational institutions like Pragya Girls School emphasized contemporary values such as environmental science and sustainable living during Raksha Bandhan celebrations.
- The environmental-science focus was also evident in individual celebrations, such as Padma Shri Janak Palta McGilligan's eco-friendly Rakhi tradition of planting tree saplings, which began in 1985.
- In line with the city's commitment to sustainability, Atal Indore City Transport Service Limited (AICTSL) offered free travel for female commuters on Raksha Bandhan, promoting a zero-waste lifestyle and ensuring the safety of women during their commute.
