Liverpool event strengthens bonds between community and protectors

The Meaning Behind Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, meaning “bond of protection,” is a sacred Hindu festival that celebrates the relationship between siblings. Traditionally, a sister ties a rakhi (decorative thread) around her brother’s wrist, symbolising love, protection, and mutual respect. In modern times, this beautiful gesture has extended to include all those who protect and serve society — especially police officers, firefighters, and military personnel.

The festival has evolved into a celebration of responsibility, duty, and gratitude — making it not just a family tradition but a civic one.

A Celebration of Unity in Liverpool

On 26th August, Adarsh Parivar Shakha (a local branch of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) in Liverpool celebrated Raksha Bandhan in a meaningful and inclusive way — by honouring members of the Merseyside Police.

The event was a lively gathering that brought together 65 swayamsevaks/sevikas (male/female volunteers) along with 5 police officers. The atmosphere was filled with joy, purpose, and gratitude as the community came together to express their appreciation for the protectors of their city.

A Youth-Led Celebration: Kishor and Kishori Gana

The entire celebration was led by Kishor/Kishori Gana (youth groups), who brought energy and creativity to the event. Their involvement included:

• Team-building activities to build trust and collaboration

• A rakhi-making workshop, where participants designed their own symbolic rakhis

• A Raksha Bandhan quiz, testing their knowledge about the origins and meaning of the festival

• A presentation on the cultural and social significance of Raksha Bandhan in today’s world

These activities not only engaged participants of all ages but also served to pass on cultural values to the younger generation in a fun, interactive way.

Tying the Rakhi to Our Protectors

A key highlight of the event was the moment when rakhis were tied to the visiting Merseyside Police officers. This was a symbolic gesture of trust and gratitude, acknowledging their commitment to keeping the community safe.

By tying the rakhi, the community honoured the officers as guardians, much like a brother who vows to protect his sister. In turn, the police expressed appreciation and were visibly moved by the warmth and respect shown to them.

A Message of Community and Respect

The event sent a powerful message: that festivals like Raksha Bandhan are not just rituals, but meaningful opportunities to build bridges between communities and public servants. It is a reminder that cultural celebrations can be inclusive, educational, and rooted in shared human values.

As stated in the event summary:

“We thanked the police officers by tying the Rakhi for protecting the community and keeping us safe and explained the importance of celebrating Raksha Bandhan.”

The guests appreciated the gesture deeply and felt honoured to be included in the festival.

Conclusion: A Tradition with Timeless Relevance

Adarsh Parivar Shakha’s Raksha Bandhan Utsav (celebration) in Liverpool was more than a cultural event — it was a reflection of unity, gratitude, and community spirit. By involving young people, honouring local heroes, and celebrating timeless values, the event served as a model for how cultural traditions can enrich and uplift society at large.