From correspondents in Delhi, India, 03:31 PM IST

President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday greeted the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which will be celebrated Saturday.

In her message, Patil said: "On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my greetings and good wishes to my fellow citizens in India and abroad."

"The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolizes love, affection and mutual trust between brothers and sisters. May the spirit of this unique festival strengthen fraternal feelings in our society and remind us of the importance of unity as we strive collectively for the well-being of our people,' she said.

The prime minister said the festival celebrates the role of women in the family.

In a message, the prime minister said the festival was an occasion to uphold the traditional values of the country's culture and acknowledge and celebrate the role of women.

'May this festival bring to all health, happiness, camaraderie and prosperity,' Manmohan Singh added.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)