Rakshabandhan for Welsh soldiers
Members of the armed forces and Hindu communities came together to celebrate the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan at events in London, Birmingham, Bolton and Cardiff. Raksha Bandhan, which translates as 'bond of protection', is one of the most important in the Hindu calendar. It falls on Thursday (August 18) this year.
In Cardiff, at the Sanatan Dharma Mandal temple, the focus of the festival was the tying of rakhi – a sacred decorative string bracelet – by young Hindus on the wrists of soldiers, sailors and airmen. Also present was the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, councillor Monica Walsh and other local dignitaries.
Air commodore Adrian Williams spoke about the contribution by Hindus to the British armed forces, saying, 'During world war one, some 750,000 Hindus [were] deployed overseas in the British Indian Army, earning eight Victoria Crosses, the most prestigious UK military award. Hindus also served throughout the second world war.. [and] have also seen service in recent conflicts and continue to be a vital part of today's armed forces.'
Armed forces Hindu chaplain Acharaya Krishan Kant Attri said, 'This is a great opportunity for the Hindu community to come together to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with our armed forces and show that we share a culture and have a common set of values.'
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