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The female wing of the BAPS Mandir has the sacred thread tied by the sister on the wrist of the brother as a symbol of love and protection
The BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi marks the arrival of Raksha Bandhan (The Bond of Protection), a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between siblings in a unique way.
More than 10,000 rakhis are made by the women’s chapter of BAPS Hindu Mandir, a sister who ties a sacred thread around her brother’s wrist as a symbol of love and protection.
In a special prayer led by Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of BAPS Hindu Mandir, the rakhis were offered to over 4,000 blue-collar expatriate workers in attendance who came in batches and belonged to companies across the country. Most workers who live alone and away from their families ecstatically embrace handcrafted rakhis.
Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas leads 4,000 blue-collar workers in special prayer
“It was a great occasion. I was thinking earlier, another year has passed without being at home for Raksha Bandhan and other festivals. This is a great initiative for the temple,” said a staff member.
Another worker, Ram, noted: “I feel like I’m back home with my family. We thank Swami and Mandir for inviting us to celebrate Rakshabandhan with so many brothers and sisters.”
The 150-strong women’s chapter worked for more than a month to compile data on devotees who visited the temple. Each female volunteer then contacted 40 devotees and made sure to deliver the rakhis in person.
Women’s Chapter of BAPS Hindu Mandir
“These are made by our own hands. It is a symbol of love and affection. Most of the people, especially the workers, keep their loved ones at home. So, as instructed by Swami Brahmawi Haridas, We made these rakhis.
“We are a mix of students, housewives and working professionals who use our spare time to source materials, decor, outreach, networking and more to make the occasion special,” said one senior volunteer.
At that time, a video message of His Holiness Mahat Swami Maharaj in India was broadcast, and he prayed for harmony and fraternity.
Blue-collar workers carry a brick as part of a ceremony
Later, devotees take part in an auspicious brick-laying ceremony called “Shila Staapan”. They took a brick, sang hymns, and placed it on a five-meter-high pedestal, above the foundations of the new temple. More than 100 volunteers help coordinate the process while managing logistics, preparing food and delivering small traditional souvenirs.
Swami Brahmaviharidas noted: “The atmosphere is one of great love, equality and divinity. These thousands of rakhis are handcrafted with love by female devotees in the UAE and given to each worker as a symbol of blessing to the brothers. Even this Mandir is handcrafted with love. So we pray in a very devout place that God guide and protect this beautiful country, its leadership and all who call it home.”
Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas addresses the rally
Ashok Kotecha, Chairman of BAPS Hindu Mandir, emphasized: “There is a sense of belonging that cannot be explained in words. This line symbolizes mutual respect and solidarity. I am truly proud of those who have worked tirelessly to help build amazing projects. Fraternal services such as the upcoming beautiful Mendir.”
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