Thousands of workers from labor camps celebrate Raksha Bandhan at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi with Heartwarming Community Engagement

Abu Dhabi, UAE – August 19, 2024 – The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi celebrated its first Raksha Bandhan on Sunday, August 18, 2024, since officially opening its doors. The event marked a significant milestone and embodied the spirit of community and compassion, drawing over 2,500 devotees and workers from labor camps across the seven emirates, many of whom were away from their families and loved ones.

In a special program crafted to honor these hardworking individuals, the companies enthusiastically transported their staff in busloads to the Mandir. Each and every visitor was meticulously looked after and ensured of an uplifting experience in the serene and spiritual surroundings of the Mandir. The facilities were dedicated to creating an atmosphere of love and connection, fostering relationships and support within the community.

As the clock struck 2pm, the workers began arriving in droves, greeted warmly by the Mandir’s volunteer team who received them with folded hands, guiding them through the majestic steps and into the sacred space. The awe-inspiring sight of the Mandir allowed each labor worker the opportunity to perform darshan of the sacred images, deepening their spiritual connection.

Inside, they were welcomed by the BAPS Swami’s, who tied a special rakhi—a ceremonial thread symbolizing love and protection—around the right wrists of each visitor. This beautiful gesture, typically exchanged between siblings in India, was transformed into a meaningful experience of community bonds and blessings, as the Swamis engaged personally with each guest, sharing moments of joy and support.

The evening unfolded with a captivating program of traditional devotional songs, performed by enthusiastic volunteers and community members using authentic Indian instruments such as the tabla, harmonium, and sitar. Following the inspiring performances, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, the Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, addressed the assembly explaining the cultural significance of Raksha Bandhan, concluding with a prayer “on this auspicious day, we pray that may God guide and guard every worker, every visitor, and every leader of this beautiful nation and all those who call the UAE their home.” As the assembly concluded, the 2,500 workers and devotees were treated to a special sumptuous meal with prasad—sanctified food offered to God, symbolizing love and devotion.

“Today has left me lost for words, it feels like home, as though am present with my family” expressed Ranjit Singh, a laborer from Punjab, reflecting on the warmth and attention offered by the Mandir volunteers and Swami’s.

Pradip, a blue-collar worker from Sharjah, shared a sentiment echoed by many of the attendees, “I feel so happy to be part of this celebration. We are grateful to the swamis and Mandir for inviting us to celebrate Raksha bandhan together.”

Vinod Kumar Pal, a blue-collar worker who traveled all the way from Ras Al Khaimah, shared, “When the swami tied the rakhi, I felt truly blessed. It reminded me of my sister back home, tying rakhi to me.”

Rishabh Manoj, from Dubai, shared his experience volunteering to serve water to all the devotees and workers “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The discourse that Swami gave was incredibly inspirational, and I felt that the seva I was doing was a good deed, which is why I chose to volunteer.”

On the following day, Monday, August 19, the spirit of Raksha Bandhan continued as the BAPS Hindu Mandir Swami’s reached out further into the community. They visited labor camps and reached to workers who could not attend the previous day’s celebrations, with over 16 companies hosting the Swami’s for personal visits. Over the course of 14 hours, the Swamis personally met more than a thousand workers, tying rakhi’s and distributing prasad, extending the love and blessings of the Mandir to those who missed the festivities.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to fostering compassion, support, and unity for all people in the UAE. This year’s Raksha Bandhan has solidified the Mandir’s commitment to engaging with the community and providing a nurturing environment for everyone to celebrate together. The Head of BAPS Hind Mandir, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, explains, “The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi continues to become a spiritual oasis for global harmony which celebrates the past and recalibrates the future. It is a timeless testament to the spirituality of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the generosity, fraternity, and humanity of the leaderships of the UAE, India, and the world community at large that has allowed such wonderful celebrations like tonight to take place.”