The Mayor celebrates Raksha Bandhan
From The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ian Courts on 27 August 2010
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ian Courts, this week celebrated the traditional Indian festival, Raksha Bandhan.
Joined by members from the local Hindu community group, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, the Mayor took part in the tying of the rakhi as part of the festival.
The festival, celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs, celebrates the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. The rakhi threads symbolise protection from evil and are offered along with prayers for the brothers’ well-being. In return brothers give their sisters a gift and pledge to protect them from harm. As the rakhi is tied, a prayer is offered asking for happiness and prosperity.
This ritual is often extended to friends and neighbours to signify harmony and a peaceful co-existence as if they were brothers and sisters.
As well as the tying of the rakhi, the group blessed the Mayor while throwing rice and painted a bindi on his forehead.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ian Courts, said: “It has been an honour to learn about and take part in this festival. Raksha Bandhan is an important festival about the unity and love between friends and family – a very important message regardless of your religion or beliefs.”
for media enquiries please contact Olivia White on 0121 704 8373
Email: owhite@solihull.gov.uk