Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton has taken part in a Raksha Bandhan ceremony with members of the Hindu Elders Foundation (HEF) in celebration of unity and cultural harmony.
Raksha Bandhan, often referred to as "Rakhi," is a traditional Hindu ceremony that traditionally celebrated the bond between brothers and sisters but is now performed between any two people regardless of their relationship.
During the ceremony, the participants tie a sacred thread, called a "rakhi," around each other’s wrist symbolising mutual respect and support.
Nainika Pahuja and Akshita Khurana tied the Rakhi to Mayor Kirton with the gratitude of thanks for his commitment and services to society.
Mr. Pahuja said that HEF celebrates Raksha Bandhan to strengthen harmony across communities, regardless of race, faith, or ethnicity, and to honour civic servants, police, fire, ambulance, and medical personnel who sacrifice their own comfort to serve society.
Mayor Weston tied the Raksha Bandhan to the HEF President Sh Satya Prakash Pahuja and Waikato Elders representative Sh Satya Swaroop Duggal.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Weston emphasised the importance of unity in society, especially in today’s times. He shared that, in over 30 years of his political career, this was his first opportunity to experience and learn about the culturally rich festival of Raksha Bandhan.
“I can relate to the HEF kaupapa personally through my own family situation, and I deeply appreciate the work they do in supporting the less privileged by visiting rest homes and distributing gifts.
I acknowledge the importance and contribution that the Indian community makes to the Ruapehu District, and I encourage HEF to continue organising this meaningful festival in the future," he said.
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