Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Raksha Bandhan Festival, a celebration that underscores the Universal Fellowship and Veneration of Womanhood (whakawhanaungatanga). This year's festival is being organised by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha in collaboration with the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum NZ. The vibrant event, scheduled for Saturday, 17 August 2024, will be held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Avondale, Auckland, and will highlight the rich cultural heritage and values of Hindu Dharma.
The High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Ms Neeta Bhushan, will officially open the Raksha Bandhan Festival, with many distinguished guests expected to attend. Among those invited are the Human Rights Commissioner, a Maori Elder, the NZ Police Superintendent, national and international HOTA coordinators, a Trustee of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha, members from the Whau Board Council, local Members of Parliament, and several community leaders. The event is anticipated to attract over 800 participants, all coming together to celebrate the spirit of Raksha Bandhan.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, 17 August 2024
- Raksha Bandhan: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Venue: 21 Barrhead Place, Avondale, Auckland 0600
- Registration: Register here or scan the QR code on the attached poster. This is a free event with limited seating, so please register by Thursday, 15 August.
"The Raksha Bandhan Festival is a joyful occasion, and we are excited to host this year’s celebration, bringing the community together to honour this significant tradition," said Siddharth Doshi, a spokesperson from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha. "It’s also a great opportunity for our young volunteers to plan, organize, and execute a major community event."
Raksha Bandhan, widely celebrated by the Hindu community, is a deeply rooted tradition in which individuals tie a Rakhi, a sacred thread symbolising love, fraternity, and protection. This act reflects a commitment to uphold and promote life values for the betterment of humanity. In a congregational setting, the Rakhi is first tied to a senior figure, fostering a sense of love, affection, and loyalty within the wider community.
"This festival transcends the ritual of tying the Rakhi; it’s about celebrating our shared values and commitment to unity and social inclusion," said Dr. Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand. "In New Zealand, we refer to this as whakawhanaungatanga. The Raksha Bandhan festival promotes social inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand, engaging not only Dharma-based ethnic communities but also local Māori communities and Kiwis."
The event will feature an exciting lineup of cultural performances, including classical dances such as Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak, folk dances from Bihar, Telangana, Bengal, and Kerala, and performances from Tibet and Sri Lanka. Young girls from BAPS will also perform Sanskrit Shlokas. The organising committee has welcomed several new volunteers, offering them a chance to develop leadership skills.
After the event, attendees can enjoy a variety of vegetarian dishes prepared by BAPS volunteers, including Swaminarayan Khichdi, Pav Bhaji, Dabeli, Fries, and Chhash.
HOTA Forum NZ is a dynamic platform that fosters unity, collaboration, and progress among over 50 Hindu organisations, temples, and associations in New Zealand. Established to engage Hindu community leaders and enhance the capacity for large-scale Hindu collaboration, HOTA Forum emphasises the Hindu principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning "The world is one big family."
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a global spiritual and humanitarian organisation that promotes individual and community well-being through cultural and spiritual activities. Guided by Bhagwan Swaminarayan's teachings and the inspiration of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS serves communities worldwide by fostering values of unity, peace, and service.
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