Raksha Bandhan in Abu Dhabi

RAKSHA BANDHAN, a Hindu festival that signifies the bond between brothers and sisters, was celebrated at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.

Handmade rakhis or sacred threads were offered to more than 4,000 workers during a special prayer led by mandir chief Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas.

The women’s wing of the mandir, comprising 150 students, homemakers and working professionals, made some 10,000 rakhis to mark the occasion. Also, each woman volunteer delivered the threads to 40 devotees who previously visited the temple.

“It’s a symbol of love and affection. Most people, especially workers, have their loved ones staying back home. So, following the instructions of Swami Brahmaviharidas we made these rakhis,” a senior volunteer told Khaleej Times.

Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas (above) said, “These thousands of rakhis have been handmade with love by the women devotees of the UAE to gift each worker, symbolising blessings for brothers. Even this mandir will be handmade with love... we pray that may God guide and guard this beautiful nation, its leadership, and all those who call it their home.”