Dr. Tulip Duncan
The HOTA (Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations) Forum invites the community to celebrate the Raksha Bandhan Festival on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Avondale, Auckland. The event, which begins at 3:00 PM, is set to promote universal fellowship and the veneration of womanhood.
Raksha Bandhan is a prominent Hindu festival where a Rakhi (a holy thread) is tied to symbolize love, fraternity, and a vow to protect each other. Traditionally, a Rakhi is tied first to a senior person, fostering a sense of love, loyalty, and devotion among participants. This festival not only strengthens interpersonal bonds but also reaffirms participants’ commitment to the society they live in.
The HOTA Forum, which consists of over 50 NZ Hindu organisations, temples, and associations, was established to enhance Hindu community leadership and collaboration across New Zealand. It underscores the Hindu principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one big family) and Unity in Diversity. Each year, a different member organisation hosts the festival, and this year, the honour goes to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a global Hindu organisation dedicated to the spiritual and social upliftment of society. Founded on the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, BAPS focuses on spiritual, moral, and social rejuvenation through various activities. BAPS Charities supports numerous community services, including health and wellness initiatives, educational services, humanitarian relief, and environmental protection, benefiting New Zealand society significantly.
Event Information:
- Venue: 21 Barrhead Place, Avondale, Auckland 0600
- Date: Saturday, 17 August 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- RSVP: By 2 August 2024
Click here to register in the event.
The Raksha Bandhan festival is open to everyone and aims to bring together community leaders and dance groups from various ethnic communities. The festival will feature active participation from ethnic communities from India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Fiji, China, Korea, Japan, South Africa, and more. This celebration helps volunteers, especially youth and women, to develop their skills in volunteering, organising, and community service.
This festival is expected to promote social inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand by involving Dharma-based ethnic communities, the local Maori community, and Kiwis. It aims to develop capabilities within ethnic communities, especially among youth and women, and support their growth through cultural practices and dance performances.
The organisers extend a warm invitation to all community leaders and volunteers. Your presence and support will greatly inspire the youth and community members involved. For further information, please contact Sidd Doshi or Parth Patel at 0224743348 or 02102571864.
Click here to register in the event.
For more details on HOTA, BAPS and its activities, visit HOTA NZ Forum, BAPS Global and BAPS Charities NZ.
