Bond of protection

Kimira Birbal, of Reservoir Hills, practises tying a rakhi on her brother Akshar’s wrist to mark Raksha Bandhan. The Hindu festival in which a sister ties a rakhi (thread) on her brother’s wrist and wishes for his happiness and well-being will be celebrated on Monday. In turn, the brother acknowledges his love with a promise to stand by her at all times. On the day, there will be a partial lunar eclipse from 7.22pm until 9.18pm. Many Hindus consider the duration of a lunar eclipse an inappropriate time to engage in auspicious activities. For such Hindus, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (Sahms) has advised that rakhis be tied either before or after the eclipse. Meanwhile, Sahms president Ashwin Trikamjee said information was being circulated by the SA Hindu Priests Association with regard to religious observances and has cautioned Hindus to ignore the messages. “They do not represent the Hindus of South Africa and, it seems, that they are a few so-called priests from abroad,” said Trikamjee.