Archdiocese of Bhopal celebrated the feast of Raksha-bandhan along millions of Indian women who tied Rakhi or a sacred thread on the wrist of their brothers as a mark of love and respect.

On the eve of the festival on Aug. 14 several girls tied the thread on the wrist of Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal as the archdiocese organized a program to celebrate the predominantly Hindu festival.

Rakshabandhan, meaning protecting bond, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival – celebrated across much of India and in parts of Nepal and Pakistan –  falls on the full moon day of the Hindu calendar and this year it falls on Aug. 15.

“The brightness of the day arises when we look at each other’s face and say we are all brothers and sisters of one family till then we are in the darkness,” the archbishop while addressing the gathering at the St Xavier’s School in Bhopal. Hundreds of students from more than six Catholic schools in the city gathered for the celebration organized by archdiocesan spokesperson Father Maria Stephen.