(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Published: Monday, August 19, 2024 6:47 PM
Last updated: Monday, August 19, 2024 at 9:49 PM
The BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi held its first Raksha Bandhan celebrations since its official opening with two days of ceremonies and interaction with the community, including blue-collar workers from across the UAE.
Raksha Bandhan, a traditional Hindu festival, celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers.
In a special programme to honour the workers, companies transported their staff to the temple in buses. Around 2,500 visitors and workers were given a warm welcome by monks on Sunday. Each visitor tied a rakhi, a sacred thread symbolising love and protection, on their right wrist. Traditional religious songs were played on instruments including the tabla, harmonium and sitar.
The Raksha Bandhan festival is being celebrated at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Photo: Provided
Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, head of the BAPS Hindu temple, explained the cultural significance of the festival.
“On this auspicious day, we pray that God will guide and protect all workers, all visitors, all leaders of this beautiful country and all those who call the UAE home.”
Many of the workers, who live far away from their families and loved ones, expressed joy at the opportunity to come to the temple on the festival day.
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“I’m speechless. I feel like I’m at home, with my family,” said employee Ranjit Singh.
Pradip, a worker from Sharjah, echoed the sentiments of many in attendance.
“We are very happy to be a part of this celebration and are thankful to the swamis and the mandir for inviting us to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with them.”
Vinod Kumar Pal, a labourer from Ras al Khaimah, said, “I felt really happy when Swami tied the rakhi for me. It reminded me of my sister back home who used to tie a rakhi for me.”
Rishab Manoj from Dubai was distributing water to all the devotees and workers. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Swami’s talk was incredibly inspiring and I felt that the volunteering I was doing was a good deed. That’s why I chose volunteering,” he said.
On Monday, the priests visited more than 16 worker camps, reaching out to those who were unable to attend Sunday’s ceremony. Over a 14-hour period, the priests met with more than 1,000 workers, tied raskhis and offered prayers.
Brahmavihari Swami said the temple continues to be a “spiritual oasis for global harmony” that honours the past while looking forward to the future.
See also:
BAPS Hindu Temple, Abu Dhabi introduces new pre-registration process BAPS Hindu Temple, Abu Dhabi leadership’s trust in UAE ruler revealed in unpublished letter “A dream come true”: New CSI Church in Abu Dhabi holds first public service Fines up to AED 3 million: CSI Church in UAE visits BAPS temple? Be aware of the rules and penalties
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