Rakshabandhan Celebrations were held at Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, in the Presence of H.H. Mahant Swami Maharaj

Mahesh Dhoundiyal – Delhi

• Prayers for Protection from Social Evils on Rakshabandhan
• Devotees Filled with Festive Spirit, Devotion, and Spiritual Bliss

This year, the festival of Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with religious harmony and joy on Shravan Purnima at Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, New Delhi, in the presence of H.H. Mahant Swami Maharaj, the President and Spiritual Leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The devotees and volunteers had gathered in large numbers to celebrate this festival of love and bonding.
The auspicious ceremony began with Vedic pujas and prayers, expressing the desire for global welfare and mutual affection among people. Following this, Pujya Adarshjivandas Swami, in his enriching discourse said, “Just as a sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist on Rakshabandhan for his protection, similarly, scriptures like the Upanishads protect us by keeping us away from vices. The essence of this festival lies in understanding that God protects all devotees at every moment.” Afterward, H.H. Mahant Swami Maharaj commenced his morning puja. The volunteers from the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha’s children and youth wing offered prayers for protection from social evils and addictions. The devotees also sang various devotional songs in consonance with the festival and spirit of Rakshabandhan. At that moment, the entire assembly was filled with festive spirit, spiritual bliss, and devotion.

Subsequently, H.H. Mahant Swami Maharaj, in his blessings, said, “We must protect our soul because our body is perishable. We should pray to God for the protection of our souls. When God and his Sadhu protect us, only then is our soul’s welfare ensured. Coming into Satsang protects the soul. God and Sadhus protect us from the cycle of birth and death. This is why we should remain obedient to God’s commands.”

Shri Harsh Malhotra, the Member of Parliament and Minister of State, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Road Transport Ministries, was also present and was honored during the assembly. Thereafter, Rakhis were tied on the wrists of the devotees present in the assembly, symbolizing divinity, safety, progress, and support. Today’s celebration was enriched with prayers that strengthened the spirit of unity, goodwill, and mutual affection.