The Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum New Zealand is delighted to announce the 2025 Raksha Bandhan Community Festival, to be held at Shri Ram Mandir, Henderson, Auckland, on Sunday, 14 September 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
This year’s celebration carries special significance with the esteemed presence of Swami Vigyananand ji, Founder of the HOTA Forum, World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF), and World Hindu Foundation (WHF). Closely associated with the Amarnath Yatra, Swami ji will attend the event directly upon his arrival in Auckland.
A globally respected spiritual leader and distinguished scholar, Swami Vigyananand ji holds an engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, and a PhD in Eastern Philosophy, uniquely combining technical expertise with profound spiritual wisdom. His presence in Auckland is a rare blessing, offering guidance and inspiration to all.
Raksha Bandhan is a cherished Hindu festival celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters while embracing universal values of unity, protection, and service. In New Zealand, it has become a unique platform that brings together Hindu families, diverse ethnic communities, Māori whānau, and fellow Kiwis. The event also honours first responders – NZ Police, Fire and Emergency, and St John Ambulance – who dedicate their service to protecting the wider community.
The programme will feature vibrant cultural performances, including items by youth and women that showcase the richness of tradition. The introduction on the vision of the HOTA Forum and its relevance today will be followed by Swami Vigyananand ji’s 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 depth, this year’s celebration also coincides with Hindi Diwas, providing an opportunity to honour the heritage and beauty of the Hindi language.
Each year, a member organisation of the HOTA Forum hosts the Raksha Bandhan festival. In 2024, it was hosted by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Avondale. In 2025, the Hindu Council of New Zealand is privileged to host this significant gathering at Shri Ram Mandir.
Representing over 50 Hindu organisations, temples, and associations across the country, the HOTA Forum New Zealand works under the guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “the world is one family” – fostering unity, collaboration, and capability-building within the community.
The 2025 Raksha Bandhan celebration is open to all. Families, community members, and friends from all walks of life are warmly invited to join this joyous and meaningful occasion.-TIN Bureau