BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the current host of the esteemed HOTA Forum NZ, is thrilled to announce its upcoming Raksha Bandhan Festival. This vibrant celebration, focused on universal fellowship and the veneration of womanhood, will be held on Saturday, 17 August 2024, at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Avondale, Auckland.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, 17 August 2024
- Time: Raksha Bandhan from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
- Venue: 21 Barrhead Place, Avondale, Auckland 0600
Organised in collaboration with the HOTA (Hindu Organizations, Temples, and Associations) Forum, the Raksha Bandhan Festival is a significant event in the Hindu calendar. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond of love and protection, symbolised by the tying of a Rakhi—a holy thread—representing the commitment to uphold life values and promote communal well-being.
The festival will feature an array of dignitaries, including the Honorable Minister, the Mayor of Auckland, the Human Rights Commissioner, the Race Relations Commissioner, the Police Chief, Maori and Hindu elders, community leaders, the Multicultural Council, the Interfaith Council, and more.
The HOTA Forum, a dynamic platform uniting over 70 Hindu organisations, temples, and associations across New Zealand, is dedicated to fostering unity and progress within the Hindu community. Established to enhance large-scale Hindu collaboration, the HOTA Forum embraces the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one big family).
Vinod Kumar, National Coordinator for HOTA Forum NZ, explained, “Each year, a HOTA Forum member hosts the Raksha Bandhan festival, offering every organisation a chance to lead this community initiative. This year, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha takes on that role.”
The festival welcomes participation in various forms, from performers and volunteers to committee members. Those interested in contributing can reach out via email at hindu.nz@gmail.com.
The Raksha Bandhan Festival promotes inclusivity, engaging not only Dharma-based ethnic communities but also local Maori and New Zealanders. It serves as a platform for showcasing cultural traditions, particularly through dance performances, and supports the growth of youth and women within ethnic communities.
Shri Govindsinh Gohil from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha stated, “We expect over 800 attendees to join us in celebrating Raksha Bandhan. The festival will attract participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Fiji, China, Korea, Japan, South Africa, and beyond.”
About BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a global spiritual and humanitarian organisation dedicated to enhancing individual and community well-being through cultural and spiritual initiatives. Inspired by the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guided by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS fosters values of unity, peace, and service worldwide.
ISSUE
