Celebration with Those who keep our Community Safe-Strengthening Bonds

On August 30th this year, people of the Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddha communities around the world commemorate Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi. This festival is all about celebrating the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie beautifully woven threads called Rakhi around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their lifelong love and protection for each other. They promise to care for and support each other throughout their lives. This festival is observed during the full moon day of Hindu calendar month Shravana, which falls in August or September.

In the United States, Raksha Bandhan brings an opportunity for cultural exchange, transcending the boundaries of siblings to include friends, neighbors and society. It strengthens the ties of friendship and encourages a sense of mutual protection and support.

I recently had a heartwarming experience celebrating Raksha Bandhan with youth volunteers from the Hindu Community. We visited the Rocklin Police Department, where the youth joyfully tied Rakhis to the Chief of Police, Rustin Banks, and police staff. Traditional Indian sweets were exchanged, fostering goodwill. This act exemplified the spirit of Raksha Bandhan and the importance of unity and gratitude in our diverse community. For me, it was a remarkable experience to see teenagers acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices police officers make to keep us safe. This gesture can create a stronger relationship between the community and law enforcement.

We believe that Raksha Bandhan promotes a universal message of unity, transcending blood relations and emphasizing solidarity within society. In a time marked by divisions and conflicts, this festival reminds us of our shared humanity and the need for harmonious relationships. It encourages us to look past cultural, religious, or social differences, recognizing that we are all part of the same human family. The festival highlights the idea that we are responsible for each other's well-being and that each individual plays a role in building a compassionate and inclusive community.

On Raksha Bandhan, we celebrate the concept of Universal Oneness, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to symbolically tie threads of love, respect, and support for each other. This fosters unity, empathy, and mutual respect among the various communities in our city.

In summary, my celebration of Raksha Bandhan with the Rocklin police department was a deeply fulfilling experience that transcended borders and cultures. It demonstrated how a simple thread can create bonds of friendship and respect, reminding us that acts of kindness and brotherhood can unite people. As we tied Rakhis, we honored the officers' dedication and celebrated the spirit of unity that Raksha Bandhan represents, embodying the Hindu philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which emphasizes the idea that the entire world is one family.