Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Jalgaon Schoolgirls Sustain 32-Year Rakhi Tradition for Border Soldiers
Girl students in Jalgaon make special rakhis for soldiers at the border.
They have continued this activity for 32 years.
The students use their own money to buy wool, threads and decorations.
Art teachers teach them how to make the rakhis.
Before Raksha Bandhan, they come to school an hour early to work on them.
This year, they made 1,500 rakhis in the colours of the national flag.
The rakhis are sent to Nashik Cantonment and then taken to the soldiers.
The students and school staff feel happy when they learn the rakhis have arrived.
Girl students at Indira Gandhi School in Dharangaon have sent handmade rakhis to border soldiers for 32 years.
The students use their pocket money and contributions received during Bhai Dooj and other occasions to buy materials.
They made 1,500 tricolour rakhis this year and dispatched them to Nashik Cantonment.
The rakhis are forwarded from Nashik Cantonment to soldiers stationed at the border.
The initiative was started by former school supervisor Rajendra Padol after he read about soldiers missing festivals and holidays.
- Who
- Girl students of Indira Gandhi Secondary and Higher Secondary School in Dharangaon, along with teachers, parents and former supervisor Rajendra Padol.
- What
- They made and sent 1,500 handmade tricolour rakhis to soldiers stationed at the border.
- When
- The initiative began 31 years ago; this year marked its 32nd year, ahead of Raksha Bandhan.
- Where
- The initiative takes place at the school in Dharangaon, Jalgaon district, with the rakhis dispatched to Nashik Cantonment before being sent to the border.
- Why
- The students wanted to express gratitude and support for soldiers who spend festivals and holidays serving at the border.
- Tradition duration
- 32 years, including this year's initiative
- School
- Indira Gandhi Secondary and Higher Secondary School, Dharangaon
- Rakhis made
- 1,500 tricolour rakhis
- Funding
- Students' pocket money and money received during Bhai Dooj and other occasions
- Materials
- Wool, silk threads and decorative items
- Dispatch point
- Nashik Cantonment
- Original initiator
- Rajendra Padol, the school's former supervisor