Qamar Sheikh continues her long-standing Raksha Bandhan tradition
She tied a rakhi to PM Modi
This year marks the 30th anniversary of this unique ritual
Qamar Sheikh, a Pakistani woman, is set to continue her long-standing Raksha Bandhan tradition by tying a rakhi on the wrist of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this unique ritual, which symbolizes a bond of sisterhood that transcends national borders and political differences.
For nearly three decades, Sheikh has handcrafted a rakhi each year, making the gesture deeply personal. “I make many rakhis with my own hands every year before Raksha Bandhan, and in the end, I tie the rakhi that I like the most on his wrist,” Sheikh said. This year, in honor of the 30-year milestone, she has designed a special rakhi featuring velvet, pearls, metal embroidery, and tikki, making the occasion even more memorable.
The tradition was briefly interrupted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted international travel. Sheikh resumed her visits last year and is eager to continue the ritual this Raksha Bandhan.
Her annual pilgrimage to Delhi has become a symbol of enduring friendship, illustrating the power of personal bonds to bridge divides between India and Pakistan. Sheikh’s arrival in Delhi is highly anticipated, as she prepares to uphold this touching tradition once more, highlighting the deep emotional connection she shares with the Indian Prime Minister.
Qamar Sheikh continues her long-standing Raksha Bandhan tradition
She tied a rakhi to PM Modi
This year marks the 30th anniversary of this unique ritual
Qamar Sheikh, a Pakistani woman, is set to continue her long-standing Raksha Bandhan tradition by tying a rakhi on the wrist of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this unique ritual, which symbolizes a bond of sisterhood that transcends national borders and political differences.
For nearly three decades, Sheikh has handcrafted a rakhi each year, making the gesture deeply personal. “I make many rakhis with my own hands every year before Raksha Bandhan, and in the end, I tie the rakhi that I like the most on his wrist,” Sheikh said. This year, in honor of the 30-year milestone, she has designed a special rakhi featuring velvet, pearls, metal embroidery, and tikki, making the occasion even more memorable.
The tradition was briefly interrupted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted international travel. Sheikh resumed her visits last year and is eager to continue the ritual this Raksha Bandhan.
Her annual pilgrimage to Delhi has become a symbol of enduring friendship, illustrating the power of personal bonds to bridge divides between India and Pakistan. Sheikh’s arrival in Delhi is highly anticipated, as she prepares to uphold this touching tradition once more, highlighting the deep emotional connection she shares with the Indian Prime Minister.