Qamar Mohsin Sheikh.
Credit: PTI Screengrab
As the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan approaches, Qamar Mohsin Sheikh, a Pakistani-origin woman living in Ahmedabad, is once again preparing to tie a handmade 'rakhi' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Qamar has been continuing a unique tradition that has lasted around 30 years.
Qamar is a Pakistan born women settled in Ahmedabad, since 1981 after her marriage.
“I make many rakhis with my own hands every year before Raksha Bandhan, and in the end, I tie the rakhi that I like the most on his wrist,” Qamar was as quoted as saying in a video interview with PTI news agency.
Qamar met Modi in the early 90's through introduced through the then Gujarat Governor Dr Swaroop Singh. Since then, their brother-sister bonding developed.
During the Covid pandemic years, Qamar was unable to travel due to restrictions, but the bond resurfaced in 2024 when Qamar visited Delhi with her husband.
Qamar sees the 'rakhi' gesture as a bond of affection, goodwill, and spiritual support and as per the news agency reports, she wants PM Modi to serve a fourth term in office.
The Rakhi festival, which is rooted in Indian mythology will start on August 8 at 2.12 pm and end on August 9 at 1.24 pm.