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Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated this year on August 28, 2026. Across the country, brothers and sisters are busy making enthusiastic preparations for the festival, whether they are apart or together at home, often planning surprises for one another. Meanwhile, to make the occasion even more joyful, various state governments are making special announcements for the women in their respective regions. Some states are offering financial assistance, while others are gifting free travel. Let us take a look at the announcements made by governments in states ranging from UP and Bihar to MP, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand for this year's Rakhi festival.

**'Shagun' (Gift) Amount for Women in Madhya Pradesh**
The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a special gift for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Under the 'Ladli Behna Yojana,' the government has announced an additional 'Shagun' amount of ₹250. While the scheme typically provides ₹1,500 per month, an extra ₹250 will be added to the August payment, meaning women in MP will receive ₹1,750 this month.

**Gift of ₹1,100 in Rajasthan**
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has transferred ₹1,100 to the accounts of Anganwadi workers and helpers in the state. The government transferred this amount via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) last Saturday (August 15). Additionally, the government has gifted free public transport (Rajasthan Roadways) travel to the women and sisters of the state.

**Gift of ₹2,500 for Women in Delhi**
The Delhi government is preparing to give a major gift to women on the occasion of Rakhi. It has announced the launch of the 'Delhi Lakshmi Yojana' on August 28—a new scheme providing monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 to women. Under this scheme, eligible women will receive a monthly payment of ₹2,500. **Gift for women in UP**

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has gifted women free travel on transport corporation buses for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan; this announcement remains effective from August 26 to August 31.

**Punjab government's gift to women**

The Punjab government has announced the release of a financial honorarium for women and mothers under the 'Mavan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana' (Mothers-Daughters Respect Scheme) on Raksha Bandhan. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government has announced the transfer of three months' worth of outstanding allowances into women's accounts in a single installment on the day of the festival. Additionally, the Punjab government's lottery department has launched a special 'Rakhi Bumper 2026' lottery for the occasion. The lottery features a first prize of ₹7 crore, a second prize of ₹50 lakh, and a third prize of ₹20 lakh. The lucky draw is scheduled for August 29.

**Free bus service announced in Haryana**

The Haryana government has also announced free bus travel for women in the state and their children for the 2026 Rakhi festival. The government, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, approved a proposal from the Transport Department to this effect, enabling sisters to visit their brothers' homes and tie the Rakhi without incurring any travel costs.

**Announcements for women in Bihar**

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan 2026, the Bihar government has announced a special initiative called 'Police Didi' to ensure the safety of female students (school and college) and women across the state; under this scheme, female police personnel equipped with scooters or motorcycles will be deployed outside educational institutions starting from the day of Rakhi. Furthermore, the Department of Posts (India Post) has offered a 10% discount on Speed ​​Post services for 'Rakhi Mail'.

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