The Indian diaspora in the UAE showcased their secular spirit during an event to celebrate Raksha Bandhan at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
The festival was attended by Indians on Friday night irrespective of their caste or religion, Khaleej Times reported on Saturday.
The Indian People's Forum got representatives from the Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh communities on the same platform of the consulate hall.
Kolathur Advaithashramam head Swamy Chidanandapuri said the main message of this festival was "love".
"The feeling of safety -- filled with love, and all of which is intertwined in one sacred thread, is the main message of this festival. We all are brothers and sisters," Chidanandapuri from Kerala said.
Mohammed Khomusi representing the Sharjah Shia community said Raksha Bandhan was a festival that has a message for every community.
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"In India, all festivals are celebrated by people across all religions. And this is the beauty of India that makes all our festivals secular. Such bonding forms the very basis of our country and it will continue."
Father Aji K. Chacko of Sharjah's St Gregorios Orthodox church said the "bond of protection" was very important.
"As the gender issues and atrocities are growing, it is in this view that this festival -- the bond of protection -- is very important for all of us."
Raminder Singh representing the Sikh community started his address with "bole so nihal".
The audience responded in one voice -- "sat sri akal" (truth is the ultimate God).
--IANS
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