NEW DELHI — Millions of families across India observed Raksha Bandhan on Saturday, as sisters tied decorative rakhi threads on their brothers' wrists in the annual Hindu festival celebrating sibling bonds. Temples and community halls hosted gatherings in cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.

The festival, which falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Shravan, sees sisters perform aarti and apply tilak before tying the rakhi. Brothers pledge lifelong protection and offer gifts in return.

Sweet shops reported brisk trade in traditional offerings such as kaju katli and laddoo in the days leading to the observance. India Post and private logistics companies handled a spike in rakhi parcels as families separated by distance sought to participate remotely.

Online retailers including Amazon India and Flipkart promoted dedicated Raksha Bandhan gifting sections ahead of the festival. The Indian Army and paramilitary units marked the occasion at border posts, where women from nearby communities tied rakhis on soldiers in a longstanding tradition.

Political leaders, including members of the central government, posted greetings on social media extending festival wishes to citizens. Diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, the United States and Gulf nations also observed the festival, with temples and cultural associations organising gatherings for families unable to travel to India.