New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil Monday greeted the nation on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

‘On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens,’ Patil said in her message.

This festival, she said, ‘is uniquely symbolic of the bonds of love, affection and mutual trust which have existed for centuries between sisters and brothers of every community in our country’.

‘May their united endeavours bring prosperity and progress to all sections of our people,’ the president said.

The festival will be celebrated Tuesday.

On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie decorative threads called rakhis on the wrists of their brothers, seeking their promise of protecting them.