Wednesday 30 August 2023 marked this year’s Rakshabandhan – an auspicious Hindu occasion celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Raksha, means to protect, Bandhan means a bond, and thus this day symbolises the bond of protection.
In modern times, this symbol of the bond of mutual protection between families, has been expanded. In line with the teachings of the community’s global spiritual leader, Gnan Mahodadhi Acharya Swamiji Maharaj, that one must never take those who protect us for granted, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury welcomed esteemed guests from across the key services - the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Police Service, Ministry of Defence, NHS and Royal Air Force to celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan.
This unique event not only commemorated the bond between a brother and sister but expressed gratitude to the officers for the selfless and valiant role that they and their teams play in protecting society, taking care of and maintaining peace for our communities.
During the assembly, the esteemed guests took part in lighting a flame; a peace candle as a universal symbol of peace and compassion in front of the idols of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa.
A heartfelt ceremony of Rakhi-tying followed whereby Acharya Swamiji Maharaj tied a sacred Rakhi on the wrists of the officers and other guests present, including Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North constituency. The Rakhi which symbolised the Lord’s protection for them all as they carry out their official duties to protect the community.
The chief guest, Major General John Collyer, who in 2021 was appointed the British Army HQ’s Director of Information and Chief Information Officer, spoke of the British Army’s core values; courage, discipline, respect, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment which co-exist with the core values of the Swaminarayan faith. Brent Borough Commander for the Metropolitan Police Service, Dan Knowles also said a few words and spoke of delivering policing with selflessness, compassion and spirituality. This ethos resonates very passionately with the Mandir community as they are the three pillars which represent the teachings of their late Guru, Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj – the teachings which underpin the celebration of the Mandir’s 10 year anniversary celebrations in August 2024.
The celebration was a true community event serving as a reminder to all present of the importance of unity, protection and the selfless duty performed by our key services.
