Teenagers Redd and Dan Jones from the Merthyr Tydfil Stake recently attended the Hindu Council of Wales’ event, Raksha Bandhan. This internationally celebrated Hindu event for the armed forces emphasises the core values of courage, commitment, discipline, respect, integrity, loyalty and duty that are at the foundation of all who serve. Also present was the current Mayor of Cardiff Cllr Monica Walsh and the Cabinet Minister for Health, Well-being and Sport Vaughn Gethin AM. During the Raksha Bandhan celebration female Hindu youth tied “Rakhis” (thread bracelets) onto the wrists of military personnel to establish a bond of friendship, brotherhood, and mutual protection and support between the British Hindu community and the armed forces. The attending dignitaries also received Rakhis.
Redd Jones said, “It was interesting to see how different religions are, and makes you appreciate what you have yourself”. Dan Jones also recalled, “In school we have learned about the Hindus. A sister would put a Rakhis on their brother or father’s wrist if they were going to war to defend them and now they do it as a tradition in their faith”. Redd and Dan also enjoyed meeting Naran Patel from the Hindu council of Wales.