Raksha Bandhan is a cultural festival celebrated in India to signify a reaffirmation of the bond between brothers and sisters.
In Singapore, the annual event has taken on the added significance of reinforcing ties between different community members. It is a show of unity among all Singapore residents regardless of race or religion.
More than 700 people, including representatives from various inter-religious organisations, took part in the Hindu Centre’s flagship event on Aug 25 at the PGP Hall.
Girls and boys and men and women renewed their vows “to protect each other”.
The event, which has been organised for the past 15 years, celebrates universal brotherhood through dance, music, arts and crafts.
This year, the event was held at PGP Kalyana Mandapam and the chief guest was Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat.
In his address, Mr Chee emphasised the need to maintain peace and harmony in a multiracial society.
He said the celebration’s theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam” (The World is One Family) is very apt in the Singapore context.
While the event was held under the aegis of the Hindu Centre, the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) took the lead in organising the programme.
BAPS is a Hindu organisation with more than 1,500 temples globally, including the famous Akshardham New Delhi and BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
The celebrations included a cultural show as well as drawing and rakhi (string) making competitions.
More than 100 students participated in the drawing competition and brought to life their understanding of “The World is One Family” through their artwork. This was followed by the rakhi-tying ceremony.
“It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying rakhis to brothers from various Indian groups,” said Ms Padmaja Naidu, president of The Kamala Club. “It fostered a sense of unity and togetherness in the community.
“This initiative also promotes the strengthening of relationships between different Indian organisations, sharing traditions and customs, creating a sense of belonging and paving the way for joint efforts.”
The Hindu Centre also launched its book, Parenting: The Hindu Way, through its president N. Varaprasad and Mr Chee. The first copies were presented to the contributing authors and the VIPs among the audience.
A dozen organisations, including the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society, Hindu Centre, Maharashtra Mandal, DPSI (Delhi Public School International), GIIS and Nritya Ranjini, put up group performances which included a bharatnatyam-kathak fusion, a Chinese dance, an Odia dance and a dhol (traditional Indian drum) performance.
DPSI was the main supporting organisation.
Lifetime Achievement awards were given to Madam Sundari, president of Krishna Our Guide, and Mr Suresh Patel, trustee of Swaminarayan Sanstha Singapore.
“The Hindu Centre has taken Raksha Bandhan to the next level in Singapore,” said Hindu Centre executive committee member Rajesh Kumar. “It’s a celebration of universal brotherhood, mutual respect and understanding. It also promoted a cohesive society and religious and racial harmony. “
