New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee has greeted the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which will be celebrated on Tuesday.

"On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my warm greetings and felicitations to all fellow citizens," the president said in a statement issued here Monday.

"The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolises the sacred bond of love, trust and commitment between sisters and brothers. It is an occasion for us to dedicate ourselves to the well-being of women and in particular, the girl child," he said.

"Traditional cultural values of respect for women need to be fully entrenched in our minds," he said.

"May this unique festival inculcate in every member of our society the highest respect for women, as we strive collectively for the prosperity of our people," Mukherjee said.

On Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties a rakhi (decorative thread) on the wrist of her brother and he, in turn, gives her gifts and vows to protect her.