News Desk
Hassanabdal, August 19, 2024:
The festival of Raksha Bandhan, a cherished tradition among Hindu and Sikh communities, was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm at Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassanabdal. The event saw Hindu and Sikh sisters tying rakhis, symbolic protective threads, on the wrists of their brothers, praying for their safety and long life.
This year’s celebration was marked by the participation of people from various religious backgrounds, including members of the Muslim and Christian communities. Among the notable attendees was Shireen Aslam, a social activist from Attock representing the Christian community, who joined the ceremony at the special invitation of the Sikh community.
The Sikh community warmly welcomed Aslam, who expressed her appreciation for the invitation and the spirit of inclusivity. In her address, she shared that it was her first time participating in Raksha Bandhan, adding to her experiences of attending religious ceremonies across different faiths. She emphasized a shared sense of humanity, stating, “We are all first and foremost human beings, and only then are we Christians, Sikhs, Hindus, or Muslims.”
Aslam highlighted the importance of promoting peace, love, and brotherhood, reiterating that all citizens in Pakistan are equal, regardless of their religious beliefs. To symbolize this unity, she tied rakhis on the wrists of her Sikh brothers, further strengthening the bonds of interfaith harmony.
The event at Gurdwara Panja Sahib not only celebrated the traditional values of Raksha Bandhan but also underscored a message of unity and mutual respect among Pakistan’s diverse religious communities.