The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi celebrated the auspicious Rakshabandhan festival in two stages.
In the first stage, on the afternoon of 18 August, over 2,500 laborers from across the seven emirates of the UAE were welcomed at the Mandir. To honor their hardworking staff, companies enthusiastically arranged buses for them to the Mandir, where they were warmly greeted by the Mandir volunteers.
Inside, they were welcomed by BAPS swamis, who tied a special rakhi on the right wrist of each laborer. The rakhis, ceremonial threads symbolizing love and protection, were handmade by BAPS women volunteers.
The celebrations featured a captivating program of traditional devotional songs, presented by volunteers and community members. Following the inspiring performances, Brahmaviharidas Swami explained the cultural significance of Rakshabandhan and prayed, “On this auspicious day, we pray that may God guide and guard every worker, every visitor, and every leader of this beautiful nation and all those who call the UAE their home.”
Expressing his sentiments, Ranjit Singh, a laborer from Punjab, said, “Today has left me lost for words, it feels like home, as though I am present with my family.”
Pradip, a laborer from Sharjah, shared a sentiment echoed by many of the attendees, “I feel so happy to be part of this celebration. We are grateful to the swamis and Mandir for inviting us to celebrate Rakshabandhan together.”
Vinod Kumar Pal, from Ras Al Khaimah, shared, "When the swami tied the rakhi, I felt truly blessed and loved. It reminded me of my sister back home, tying a rakhi to me, praying for my protection."
On the following day, 19 August, in the second stage of the Rakshabandhan celebration, BAPS swamis personally visited labor camps across the region to reach out to more than 1,500 laborers who could not attend the previous day’s celebrations. Over the course of 14 hours, the swamis personally went to over 16 companies, tying rakhis and distributing prasad.
In addition, Brahmaviharidas Swami was warmly welcomed to the Royal Majlis by HE Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who expressed congratulations for the BAPS Hindu Mandir receiving a remarkable one million visitors in its first 100 days.
With prayers for greater love and harmony between countries, cultures and communities, Brahmaviharidas Swami tied a rakhi on the wrist of HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan. As the meeting culminated HE Sheikh Nahayan further emphasized how the BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to fostering compassion, support, and unity for all people in the UAE.