Inside Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey, the largest Hindu temple in the USA: Video
The Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is the largest Hindu temple in the United States.
Raksha Bandhan, the traditional Hindu festival celebrating the bond between siblings, is celebrated this month by millions of people around the world, including those living in the Garden State. New Jersey is home to the second-largest Hindu population in the United States, with 278,000 residents, according to the Pew Research Center.
Here are some things you should know about this festival:
When is Raksha Bandhan in 2024?
Raksha Bandhan falls on Monday, August 19 this year. The festival is usually celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, which often falls in August.
Why is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan means the bond of protection, commitment or care in Sanskrit. It is celebrated by Hindus worldwide as an annual ritual in which sisters tie an object (usually silk threads) around their brothers’ wrists, called a Rakhi, which is a symbol of building a closer bond with their sibling while the sibling is obliged to protect them.
What wishes would you like to express on Raksha Bandhan?
Siblings can greet each other in many different ways while celebrating Raksha Bandhan. Here are some suggestions from websites FirstCry Parenting and Business Insider India:
- I know you will always be there for me. You are my best friend and the best gift I have ever received! Happy Raksha Bandhan brother!
- We are not together this Raksha Bandhan, but that does not change my love for you. I promise to always take care of you and protect you. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
- Dearest sister, first of all, Happy Raksha Bandhan. On this Raksha Bandhan, I promise that I will always have your back. Whenever you turn around, you will always find me.
- Dear sister, on the day of Raksha Bandhan, I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. You are a gift to my heart and a friend to my soul. Thank you for making life so beautiful.
Some Raksha Bandhan Gifts
Raksha Bandhan is also a time when siblings give gifts to each other. Some traditional gifts include money, which brothers give to their sisters after tying the rakhi on their brother’s wrist. If you are looking for other gifts, look no further than Modi Toys. The Edison-based company carved out a niche in the market in 2018 by making soft toys and books featuring Hindu deities.
The company offers some gifts for the holiday on its website: the Raksha Bandhan Gift Pack for $55 and Rakhi with Raksha Bandhan Card ($8).
Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration and culture for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news in your local community, subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @ricardokaul
