Celebrate ‘Vrikshabandhan’ at Sukhna Lake and Botanical Garden, Sarangpur

Chandigarh. 31 July, 2020: On the Occasion of Rakshabandhan, the Department of Forests & Wildlife, UT Chandigarh has initiated a unique way to celebrate Rakshabandhan. As part of this program, preparations are being made to tie a Rakhi (defense thread) to green trees and plants.

During the celebrations, nature lovers of Chandigarh are invited at Sukhna Lake and Botanical Garden to celebrate Vrikshabandhan, wherein people can tie Rakhi to any of the trees to show their love for the nature. A specially designed stall shall be installed on August 3rd to guide the public.

A pledge shall also be taken on this day by the public wherein the participant shall sign the pledge and put it in a box placed at the stall.

While talking about the initiative Sh. Debendra Dalai, Chief Conservator of Forests, Chandigarh Administration said, This is one way to strengthen our bond with nature through the age old tradition of Rakshabandhan. This seems to be a unique initiative wherein general public shall be able to show their affection towards the Green Chandigarh.

Dr. Abdul Qayum, Dy Conservator of Forests said, There might be many people this year that might not be able to visit their brother or sister due to the pandemic. The initiative shall give them a chance to show their affection towards their sibling/s as the people are expected to take selfies while tying the Rakhi to the tree and forward them to their brother or sister.

Mr Dalai further appealed that if one cannot come to Sukhna or Botanical Garden, then tie a Rakhi on any plant near your home and take a pledge, to plant at least one plant every year.

Later, a lucky draw shall be organized for the people taking pledge on this occasion and three lucky winners shall be felicitated. Nature lovers can also send their selfies with their name, address, and telephone number on the forestchandigarh@gmail.com. The best photographs shall be published in the departments newsletter ‘The Jungle Book.

During the Vrikshabandhan, people are requested to avoid crowding and maintain the physical distancing norms though the hand sanitizers shall also be available at the stall. The activity shall start at 6 am to 7 PM on August 3rd, 2020.