Lara Zijl 
Wellington, New Zealand — On Sunday 10 August 2025, the Johnsonville Community Hall came alive with colour, warmth, and cultural pride as the Hindu Organisations, Temples and Associations (HOTA) Forum — hosted by the Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ, Wellington) in partnership with the Indian High Commission and the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO, Wellington) — marked Raksha Bandhan with a vibrant public celebration.
While traditionally honouring the bond between brothers and sisters, the festival also served as a living expression of Hindu values — love, trust, mutual respect, and the commitment to safeguard one another. It resonated deeply with the Māori concept of whakawhanaungatanga, symbolising universal fellowship, the celebration of womanhood, and collective care.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The formal proceedings opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Her Excellency Ms Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand. She was joined by prominent leaders including Prof Guna Magesan, President of HCNZ; Dr Pushpa Wood, President of GOPIO Wellington; Ms Manisha Morar, President of Wellington Indian Association; Shri Shrikant Bhave, President of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh; and Ms Prabha Ravi, Mayoral Candidate for Lower Hutt.
The welcome address, delivered by Shyama Kumar JP, acknowledged the presence of key community figures such as Wayne Phillips (Chair, Wellington Interfaith Council), Shaneel Kumar (Chairperson, Fiji Association & Hindu Heritage Association of New Zealand Inc.), Prem Singh (Treasurer, Multicultural New Zealand; Vice President, Fiji Association Wellington Inc.), and Winsome Lang (Hutt Multicultural Council).
Celebrating Tradition with a Modern Message
Masters of Ceremonies Vijeshni and Devesh Rattan opened with prayers, followed by an elegant dance performance by Akshara Ravi and an introduction to the festival’s significance by Radhika Ravi, Secretary of HCNZ Wellington.
Prof Magesan outlined the role of the HOTA Forum in uniting over 55 Hindu organisations across Aotearoa under the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.” He highlighted two annual events: the HOTA Forum Meeting and the Raksha Bandhan Festival, hosted in turn by different member organisations.
This year’s theme — “We are one whānau, protecting each other” — expanded the Rakhi tradition to honour first responders from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, and St John Ambulance, recognising their dedication to safeguarding the public. Community leaders also received rakhis as a gesture of respect and solidarity.
Engaging Workshops and Reflections
Attendees participated in a workshop led by Sergeant Yin Zhu (John), Ethnic and Asian Liaison Officer for NZ Police, who shared community safety advice. Firefighter Stewart spoke on fire prevention and offered free smoke alarms to those in need.
In her keynote, High Commissioner Bhushan underscored Raksha Bandhan’s role in strengthening ties between communities and emergency services.
Dr Pushpa Wood offered a thoughtful reflection:
“Protection begins with us, then extends to our families and ultimately to our communities. As individuals and as a collective, the best promise we can make this Raksha Bandhan is to eliminate violence from our lives, homes, and neighbourhoods.”
Participant Shilpa Ranchord summed up the inclusive spirit of the day:
“It wasn’t limited to our community; it was a love and protection bond between all religions and nationalities of Aotearoa. With the tying of Rakhis, there was a warmth of oneness felt by all.”
Looking Ahead
The festival concluded with a traditional Raksha Bandhan song by Anuradha Gupta, the exchange of rakhis, and shared refreshments. Organisers announced plans to establish a HOTA Wellington Team in September, bringing together representatives from all Hindu organisations in the region under the guidance of Swami Vigyananand ji, Founder of the HOTA Forum, to strengthen collaboration and plan future initiatives.
The event was supported by the Indian High Commission, Wed In Style Ltd, and Dress Circle@21.
Media Contact:
Vijeshni Rattan
President – Hindu Council of New Zealand (Wellington Chapter)
Phone: +64 210 798 243
