Raksha Bandhan brings messages of unity, protection as PM, AG join observances

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Wednesday welcomed representatives of the High Commission of India to the Office of the Prime Minister as part of observances for Raksha Bandhan.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, Anita Kumar, spouse of the Acting High Commissioner, along with Hetal Jariwala and Vrushika Jariwala, members of the Suraubi Group and representatives of the High Commission, tied rakhis on Phillips’ wrist during the traditional observance.
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters and symbolises protection and togetherness.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall also participated in Raksha Bandhan observances on Wednesday.
In a social media post, Nandlall said he was chosen by sisters of the Raja Yoga Centre and the Indian High Commission in Guyana to have a rakhi tied on his wrist.
He described the tying of the rakhi on the right-hand wrist of a brother as an ancient Hindu tradition with deep symbolic meaning.
Nandlall explained that the term Raksha Bandhan originates from Sanskrit and translates to “bond of protection.” He said the tradition involves sisters and female cousins tying rakhis on their brothers and male cousins to signify their bond and support, with the brothers traditionally giving gifts in return.
According to Nandlall, the tradition was brought to Guyana by the country’s foreparents from India and has remained an important part of Hindu religion and culture for 188 years.
Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 28 this year.
Nandlall used the occasion to extend Raksha Bandhan greetings to Guyanese.