Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS): Traffic police personnel across the city were pleasently surprised on Wednesday when groups of children tied rakhs on their wrists on the eve of Raksha Bandhan "to express their thanks for proteccting society".

The rakhis were personally made by the children at the Arts and Crafts studio at KidZania, which is built like a city across 75,000 sq ft where children can independently explore and choose to role-play from 90-plus exciting careers.

"KidZania believes that children can make a difference and influence change, so it's important to build an environment where they learn about social responsibility and community awareness. Taking this forward on the occasion of Raksha Nandhan we want to inspire children to thank the Mumbai traffic police for their tireless efforts in managing the city's traffic," a statement said.

"We at KidZania Mumbai, wish to take a leaf out of the everyday lives of the Mumbai Police force spread some positivity? ?as we come together to say, Thank you Traffic police'," the statement said.

The initiative was launched last year with then Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria and rakhis were tied on 500-plus policemen & women across Mumbai.