The young girls tying Rakhi to the Officials. PC: www.asiansunday.co.uk
Armed forces celebrate Raksha Bandhan at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in London. PC: Swaminarayan Mandir
SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Brothers and sisters share a bond of friendship, love and family. “Raksha Bandhan” an Indian festival is one of two days in a year when sisters pray for the well being of their brothers and the brothers in turn vow to protect their sisters. Although in modern society the festival may seem dated, its a tradition that brings families together and is a festive excuse to spend time with your siblings reminiscing your childhood and instilling these age old traditions in the next generation.
It is a festival which celebrates the bond of support and affection between brothers and sisters. It is a day when siblings pray for each other’s well being and wish for each other’s’ happiness and good will.
In a first, the British armed forces came together at various locations within the Queen’s land to celebrate this auspicious day remembering the idea of bravery, courage and support behind this ancient practice in Hinduism.
“The tying of Rakhi to symbolize bonds of mutual protection is a potent symbol for all here today and one that resonates beyond the Hindu religion to all servicemen and women, whatever their beliefs”, said Earl Howe, MOD Minister Of State in the House of Lords.
The young girls tying Rakhi to the Officials. PC: Asia S.
The event at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir witnessed about twenty Hindu and Non-Hindu armed forces personnel where the holy decorative string bracelet was tied on the wrists of the Army Officers by young members of Hindu Community symbolizing the bond of protection and love.
“Our Armed Forces are at the vanguard of protecting us and we should never take them for granted. Our global spiritual leader, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj often visits military installations in India to remind us of the selfless and valiant job that these courageous servicemen and women do. It is for that reason that we are hugely honored to host the Armed Forces Hindu Network’s flagship Raksha Bandhan event here today”, said Mandir Trustee, Dr. Mahesh Varsani.
Rear Admiral Graeme Mackay while addressing the crowd mentioned that, “ There are currently around 2,500 Hindus serving the armed forces and they continue the proud tradition of their predecessors in serving the country, upholding the values that we all hold dear. They are as much part of the future of the armed forces, if not more so, as they are of our past”.
The event also included some cultural activities such as dance performances by the children who were attending the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Academy of Performing Arts.
