The Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum New Zealand has announced the 2025 Raksha Bandhan Community Festival, which will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Shri Ram Mandir, Henderson, Auckland.
This year’s celebration holds special significance with the presence of Swami Vigyananand ji, Founder of the HOTA Forum, World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF), and World Hindu Foundation (WHF). Swami ji, who is closely associated with the Amarnath Yatra, will attend the event upon his arrival in Auckland.
A globally respected spiritual leader and scholar, Swami Vigyananand ji combines technical and spiritual wisdom, holding an engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur and a PhD in Eastern Philosophy. His presence is expected to inspire and guide the community during the festival.
Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, has in New Zealand grown into a platform promoting values of unity, protection, and service. The festival also brings together Hindu families, diverse ethnic communities, Māori whānau, and fellow Kiwis, while honouring first responders including NZ Police, Fire and Emergency, and St John Ambulance.
The programme will feature cultural performances by youth and women, along with a presentation by Vinay Karanam on the vision of the HOTA Forum. Swami Vigyananand ji will then deliver his blessings and message on unity.
“We are truly excited to organise this year’s Raksha Bandhan festival. A special emphasis has been placed on giving our youth, particularly young women, the opportunity to take leadership in planning and presenting the programme. This festival is not just about celebration, it is also about empowering the next generation to carry forward our cultural values with confidence and pride,” said Shivani Goundar, Coordinator of Raksha Bandhan 2025.
Adding further cultural significance, this year’s festival also coincides with Hindi Diwas, offering an opportunity to honour the heritage of the Hindi language.
Each year, a member organisation of the HOTA Forum hosts the Raksha Bandhan festival. While the 2024 edition was hosted by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Avondale, the 2025 celebration will be hosted by the Hindu Council of New Zealand at Shri Ram Mandir.
Representing over 50 Hindu organisations, temples, and associations across the country, the HOTA Forum New Zealand continues to work under the guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “the world is one family” – fostering unity, collaboration, and cultural continuity.
The event is open to all, with families, community members, and friends from all backgrounds warmly invited to attend and be part of this joyous celebration.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment