Mamta Bhikha
Auckland will celebrate ‘Raksha Bandhan,’ the day of bonding, brightening this winter with colours, dance song and music from India, China and New Zealand, on August 29 at Shri Shirdi Saibaba Temple, 18 Princess Street, Onehunga, Central Auckland.
The Programme is being organised by the Hindu Organisations Temples & Associations (HOTA) Forum which has branches in Auckland and Wellington.
From ancient times, Dharmic communities realised the need of real bondage amongst community members. Ties in society that bind people to one another are the key to social cohesion in communities.
Women Power
The Dharmic communities see a fundamental position of women in nurturing, which enhances selfless love and compassion for the society as a whole. Not only as the Divine Mother, but as sages, noble queens and as warriors, women have protected Dharma from when the need arose.
Women are the nucleus of the family and social life revolve around them.
Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is an annual Hindu Festival that celebrates Universal Fellowship and Veneration of Womanhood.
Three Hours of Love
Raksha Bandhan 2015 will be a three and half hour programme of classical, traditional and folk dances, vocal recitations and instrumental music.
This is a free family entertainment programme in a smoke-free and alcohol-free atmosphere. Rakhis will also be distributed for free. The festival will conclude with dinner.
VIP visits
Auckland Mayor Len Brown will be Guest of Honour at the festival, which will also be attended by Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.
Dances including Tamil folk, Bharata Natyam, Gujarati Garbha, Dance of Lord Shiva, Chinese Lion and Dragon Dance and traditional Maori Dance will be among the highlights of the Festival at the Temple.
Raksha Bandhan 2015 Coordinator Preeti Katewa said that the organisers expected more than 700 men, women and children to attend this year’s Programme.
“Gayatri Pariwar will host Raksha Bandhan 2015. Entry is free and open to all. However, it would be advisable to register your names in advance,” she said.
Mamta Bhikha is Secretary, Hindu Organisations Temples & Associations (HOTA) Forum based in Auckland. She can be contacted on 027-2810968. Email: mamta.bhikha@gmail.com
| What: Raksha Bandhan 2015 |
| Who: The Hindu Organisations Temples & Associations |
| When: Saturday August 29 at 230 pm |
| Where: Shri Shirdi Saibaba Temple |
| 12, Princes Street, Onehunga |
| Contact: Preeti Katewa on 021-02973994 |
| Email rb@hota.org.nz |
