Raksha Bandhan 2025 with Vrindavan’s Widowed Mothers

 

On August 7, 2025, ahead of Raksha Bandhan, the historic Gopinath Temple in Vrindavan became the gathering place for over 350 widowed mothers in a moving ceremony that blended devotion, dignity, and social change. Organised by the Sulabh International School of Action Sociology and Sociology of Sanitation under its Widows Welfare Programme, the event reaffirmed the right of every woman to participate fully in cultural traditions.

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In the weeks leading up to the festival, widows residing in Maa Sharda Ashram and other Sulabh-supported homes came together for a Rakhi-making workshop. Around a dozen women worked enthusiastically to handcraft 1,051 unique rakhis — each adorned with images of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For these women, the rakhis are far more than decorative threads; they are symbols of respect, affection, and the dignity they have reclaimed.

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Continuing a tradition started by the late Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Sulabh’s visionary founder, four widows have been chosen to travel to New Delhi to personally present these sacred threads and sweets to the Prime Minister. This annual gesture, which began as a small act of inclusion, has grown into a cherished tradition that embodies Sulabh’s mission to restore joy, visibility, and respect to widowed mothers.

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Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kumar Dilip, President of Sulabh International, said:

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“Four of our mothers will go to Delhi to present rakhis and sweets to the Hon’ble Prime Minister. This marks another year in the heartwarming journey that Sulabh has nurtured — where our widowed mothers celebrate Raksha Bandhan with dignity and joy.”

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Mrs. Nitya Pathak, Executive Convenor of Sulabh International, added:

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“This celebration was inspired by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak’s vision to bring widowed mothers respect and love through such traditions. Today, continuing his legacy, these mothers are sending rakhis filled with love and blessings to their beloved brother, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

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Among those preparing the rakhis is 81-year-old Manu Ghosh, who has tied Rakhi on the Prime Minister’s wrist in previous years. Although she will not travel this year, she expressed her joy, saying:

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“Even though I may not go this time, I feel so happy making rakhis for Modi ji. They are filled with our love for Shri Modi Bhaiya.”

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From healthcare and nutrition to cultural inclusion, Sulabh International’s Widows Welfare Programme has brought hope, respect, and a sense of belonging to hundreds of widows in Vrindavan. What began as a symbolic act of inclusion is now a powerful tradition — a reminder that dignity and joy can be restored when compassion meets action.

 

In the Media

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The event drew significant attention across national and regional media platforms, reflecting the broader impact and relevance of this initiative. Some highlights include:

1001 Handmade Rakhis Will Be Presented To Prime Minister Modi On Rakshabandhan - Mathura News - Mathura News:रक्षाबंधन पर प्रधानमंत्री मोदी को भेंट करेंगी 1001 हस्तनिर्मित राखियां

Mathura News | Latest Update in Hindi | News Track Hindi News | UP Ka Taaza Samachar in Hindi | Mathura News: वृंदावन की विधवाएं रक्षाबंधन पर प्रधानमंत्री मोदी को भेंट करेंगी 1001 हस्तनिर्मित राखियां | News Track in Hindi

Vrindavan widows to present 1001 Handcrafted Rakhis to PM Modi

Vrindavan Widows To Tie 1001 Rakhis To PM Modi On Raksha Bandhan

वृंदावन से ‘प्रेम के धागे’: 1001 हस्तनिर्मित राखियाँ भेंट करेंगी PM मोदी को विधवा माताएं, सामाजिक परिवर्तन की अनूठी परंपरा – Today Express

Widows to present 1001 handcrafted Rakhis to Prime Minister Modi on Raksha Bandhan - The Statesman

(99) मथुरा | विधवा माताओं ने मनाया रक्षा बंधन | N10 - YouTube(99) मथुरा | विधवा माताओं ने मनाया रक्षा बंधन | N10 - YouTube

Destitute and helpless women prepared Rakhi | निराश्रित एवं बेसहारा महिलाओं ने तैयार की राखियां: वृंदावन में रह रही माताएं PM को बांधेगी राखी, सुलभ इंटरनेशनल ने बनवाई 1001 राखी - Mathura News | Dainik Bhaskar

 

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