Dombivli, Maharashtra: A remarkable 2,252-kilometre motorcycle journey from Dombivli to Kargil, dedicated to the Indian armed forces and the spirit of patriotism, has concluded with the riders returning to Dombivli and participating in the city’s popular Dahi Handi celebrations.
Led by Rohit Acharekar and fellow members of the Way to Cause Riders Club, the journey was organised under the long-running ‘Ek Bandhan, Rakshabandhan’ initiative. The campaign has been conducted for around two decades with the aim of expressing gratitude towards India’s soldiers and strengthening the bond between citizens and the armed forces.
A Journey Dedicated to the Nation
This year’s ride was conducted under the theme “Shivrashtra – Nation First, Heroes Supreme”. The riders travelled more than 2,252 kilometres, carrying the message of respect for the Tricolour and gratitude towards soldiers stationed along India’s borders.
One of the major highlights came on August 15, when the riders unfurled a massive 1,000-square-foot Tricolour in Kargil. They also displayed 42 Tricolours measuring 12 square feet each along Vijaypath, paying tribute to the nation’s armed forces.
Tricolour Carried Through High-Altitude Regions
After reaching Kargil, the riders continued through some of the most challenging and scenic areas of Ladakh.
Their route included:
- Leh
- Turtuk
- Pangong Lake
- Hanle
- Umling La
- Lamayuru
At these locations, the riders carried out the hand-hoisting of an 80-square-foot national flag to mark India’s 80th Independence Day and reinforce their message of national pride.
The journey was not simply a long-distance motorcycle expedition. It was designed as a tribute to the soldiers who protect India’s borders in some of the country’s most demanding terrains.
Rakshabandhan With Indian Soldiers in Kargil
One of the most emotional moments of the expedition came on August 28, when the riders celebrated Rakshabandhan with Indian soldiers stationed in Kargil.
Rakhis were tied on the wrists of soldiers as a symbolic expression of gratitude and affection. The celebration highlighted the emotional connection between civilians and members of the armed forces.
The initiative’s name, ‘Ek Bandhan, Rakshabandhan’, reflects this central idea of creating a bond between citizens and the soldiers who protect the country.
20 Years of ‘Ek Bandhan, Rakshabandhan’
The initiative led by Rohit Acharekar’s Way to Cause Riders Club has reportedly been running for 20 years.
In recent years, the programme has also received support through ‘Dombivlikar Ek Sanskrutik Parivar’, associated with Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan.
Over the years, the initiative has sought to combine social participation, patriotism and public awareness while encouraging people to recognise the contribution of India’s armed forces.
Grand Welcome in Dombivli
After completing the challenging journey through Kargil and other high-altitude regions, the riders returned to Dombivli.
Their homecoming coincided with the city’s Dahi Handi festival, where the riders were welcomed and participated in the celebrations. The conclusion created a symbolic connection between the country’s borders and the community celebrations back home.
The journey that began with the Tricolour at the border therefore ended amid celebrations in Dombivli, bringing the message of patriotism back to the community.
A Message Beyond the 2,252 Kilometres
The Dombivli-Kargil ride was more than a motorcycle expedition. From unfurling the national flag in Kargil to travelling through difficult mountain routes and celebrating Rakshabandhan with soldiers, every stage was centred on respect for the nation and its defenders.
For the riders and supporters, the successful completion of the journey represents a message of patriotism, unity and gratitude towards India’s armed forces.
As the riders returned to Dombivli, the 2,252-kilometre journey came to an end—but the message they carried from the country’s borders continues to resonate: respect the Tricolour, honour the soldiers and keep the spirit of patriotism alive.
