Ascetics from the twin cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh gathered at Myanmar to celebrate special Raksha Bandhan along with interfaith leaders on the concluding day of a conference organised by International Vivekananda Foundation in conjunction with the International Buddhist Academy and Japan Foundation. The leaders from different sects and religions, including head of Juna Akhara Swami Avdheshanand Giri and Chidanand Muni of Parmarth Niketan gathered to discuss the global initiatives on conflict avoidance and environmental consciousness.
Pledging for oneness of humanity and interfaith harmony, they tied rakhis (sacred threads) on the people of different castes, colours, cultures and creeds. Rakhis were also ceremoniously tied to trees as a symbol of the commitment to preserve and protect environment. The celebrations were emblematic of the leaders’ commitment to work together towards building a cleaner, greener and more peaceful world for all.
Head of the Chishti Foundation and Dargah Ajmer Sharif Syed Salman Chisthi, many Hindu and Buddhist saints from Cambodia, Thailand, Sri lanka, Japan, Myanmar, India and other interfaith leaders from all over the world participated.
Speaking on the significance of the sacred band tied on Raksha Bandhan, Chidanand Saraswati said, “Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of our ties with each other, as one world family and with the Mother Nature. By tying a sacred ‘Rakhi’ or “Safety Band” over the wrist of someone, we are tied together in a divine bond of love and compassion. This security band also symbolises a sacred pledge to protect and preserve all thus strung together through actions and even words and thoughts.”
“Today, with the rise in violence and illusion of separation, genuine bonding and the wisdom that we are all part of humanity, one family, is tragically missing,” stressed Awdheshanand Giri.