Catholic Church media institute celebrates festival of siblings with Brahma Kumaris

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The Indian Catholic bishops’ media institute in New Delhi, India, has celebrated “Rakshabandhan” (bond of protection), the festival of siblings with a group of Brahma Kumaris.

Church media institute celebrates festival of siblings with Brahma Kumaris

By Matters India Reporter New Delhi, Aug 31, 2023: The Indian Catholic bishops’ media institute in the national capital has celebrated “Rakshabandhan” (bond of protection), the festival of siblings…

mattersindia.com

The Indian Catholic bishops’ media institute in the national capital has celebrated “Rakshabandhan” (bond of protection), the festival of siblings with a group of Brahma Kumaris.

The festival, which symbolizes the bond of protection and care between siblings, was marked by the Brahma Kumaris tying “rakhi” (colored threads) on the wrists of NISCORT staff members, including its director Father Robinson Rodrigues and principal Ritu Dubey Tiwari.

Expressing his gratitude and admiration for the initiative, Father Rodrigues said, “Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful reminder of the ties that bind us as a community. It’s heartening to witness the Brahma Kumaris joining us in celebrating this festival of love and protection. Such interactions foster mutual understanding and appreciation, which are essential in our diverse society.”

Brahma Kumari Sister Lovely, who tied the rakhi to Father Rodrigues and other staff members, said, “Rakshabandhan transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It’s about recognizing the universal values of love and responsibility towards each other. By participating in this event, we aim to promote unity and strengthen the bonds of friendship that exist between different communities.”

NISCORT principal Tiwari said the institute “places a strong emphasis on intercultural understanding and harmony. Events like this enrich our understanding of different traditions and enable us to cultivate a more inclusive environment for our students and staff.”

Father Rodrigues said the celebration served as a poignant reminder of the significance of festivals in fostering a sense of togetherness among people from diverse backgrounds.

Rakshabandhan is a popular Hindu rite or ceremony where sisters of all ages tie a talisman or amulet called the rakhi around the wrists of their brothers, symbolizing the relationship between a sister and a brother.

The rakhi is also tied by women and girls to boys and men who are not blood relatives, cutting across lines of class and religion, accepting them as brothers and to foster social harmony and cohesion.

The above event is an example wherein the ceremonies and festivals in a religion can be used to initiate inter-faith harmony and brotherhood, mutual understanding and social well-being.