The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi celebrated its inaugural Raksha Bandhan festival following its official inauguration, engaging with community members over two days of ceremonies, including those from the blue-collar workforce across the UAE. Raksha Bandhan, a traditional Hindu festival, commemorates the sibling bond between sisters and brothers. A dedicated event was organized to recognize the contributions of these workers, with companies arranging transportation for their employees to the temple via buses. On Sunday, the temple warmly received approximately 2,500 visitors and workers, each of whom was presented with a rakhi—a sacred thread representing love and protection—tied on their right wrist. The festivities included performances of traditional devotional songs accompanied by instruments like the tabla, harmonium, and sitar. Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, the leader of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, highlighted the cultural importance of the festival, praying for divine guidance and protection for every worker, visitor, and leader in the UAE and all residents of the nation.
Many workers, separated from their families, expressed profound happiness at being able to participate in the temple's festival. Ranjit Singh, a worker, described his experience as feeling like being with his family at home. Pradip from Sharjah and Vinod Kumar Pal from Ras Al Khaimah shared similar sentiments of joy and gratitude for being included in the celebration. Rishabh Manoj from Dubai, who was serving water to attendees, found the event spiritually enriching and meaningful. On Monday, the temple priests extended their reach by visiting workers' camps at over 16 companies, offering prayers and tying rakhis to those who missed the Sunday ceremonies. Throughout the day, lasting 14 hours, the priests interacted with over a thousand workers. Brahmavihari Swami emphasized that the temple remains a 'spiritual oasis for global harmony,' celebrating its heritage while looking towards the future.
