14/09/2026
跨越文化的守护与欢聚——Botany and Flat Bush华人协会受邀参加印度兄妹守护节庆典Bridging Cultures Through Protection and Celebration — Botany and Flat Bush Chinese Association Invited to Attend Raksha Bandhan Festival
On 12 September, the Botany and Flat Bush Chinese Association was invited to attend a Raksha Bandhan festival jointly organised by Indian community organisations across New Zealand. Community members from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds gathered to celebrate together, sharing the warmth and beauty of multicultural exchange through traditional ceremonies and vibrant performances.
Raksha Bandhan is one of India’s most meaningful traditional festivals, rich in warmth and symbolism. “Raksha” means protection, while “Bandhan” means bond or connection. During the festival, people light lamps and tie sacred threads symbolising blessings and protection, expressing affection, care, trust and the wish to protect one another.
The event opened with a solemn yet heartwarming lamp-lighting ceremony. Representatives from various Indian community organisations jointly lit the ceremonial lamps. As the lights gradually illuminated the venue, their gentle glow came together to symbolise light dispelling darkness, as well as kindness, friendship and hope brightening one another’s lives.
The subsequent sacred-thread ceremony became one of the most touching moments of the day. Indian girls personally tied protective threads around the wrists of guests, offering wishes for peace, good health and happiness through this centuries-old tradition.
A simple thread may appear delicate, but it carries profound cultural meaning. It is not merely a blessing; it also represents care, trust, appreciation and protection between people. As the thread was gently tied around each wrist, people from different ethnic backgrounds experienced a shared connection that transcended cultural boundaries.
The event was attended by many distinguished guests, including Labour MP Janice Sillasa, who delivered a speech. She shared her understanding of Raksha Bandhan from the perspectives of cultural heritage and community integration, praised the values of protection, friendship and unity embodied in the tradition, and extended her festive greetings to everyone present, adding a strong sense of warmth and humanity to the occasion.
During the presentation of community contribution certificates, a number of individuals and organisations were recognised for their long-standing service to the community, active involvement in charitable work and efforts to promote community unity. Each certificate represented not only recognition of their contributions, but also a tribute to their dedication and selfless service over the years.
The cultural performances that followed brought the atmosphere to a climax. A wide range of performances by different community groups and cultural organisations took the stage, including dance, music and children’s performances. The lively rhythms and colourful movements showcased the diversity, vitality and joy of New Zealand’s Indian community.
A special highlight was the participation of the Botany and Flat Bush Chinese Association as one of the invited Chinese community representatives. Bringing the confidence and warmth of Chinese culture to the multicultural stage, the association presented the elegant Chinese-style fashion show Where the Heart Belongs and the lively children’s hat show You Are the Most Beautiful, My Little One.
The Chinese-style fashion show Where the Heart Belongs showcased the beauty of traditional Chinese clothing through an elegant Eastern aesthetic. Accompanied by graceful music, members of the association confidently took to the stage, blending traditional culture with contemporary performance art and earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The following performance, You Are the Most Beautiful, My Little One, was filled with childlike charm and energy. The creatively designed hats, adorable children and lively stage interactions added a bright and heartwarming touch to the celebration.
From India’s traditional protective thread to the vibrant presentation of Chinese culture; from a warm festival ceremony to the laughter shared by people of different ethnicities, this was more than a celebration. It was a beautiful encounter that crossed cultural boundaries, deepened mutual understanding and conveyed friendship.
One sacred thread carries protection and blessings; one gathering connects understanding and friendship.
Different skin colours, languages, cultures and traditions may distinguish us, yet we share the same beautiful values—kindness, protection, inclusiveness and friendship.
The Botany and Flat Bush Chinese Association will continue to actively participate in community cultural exchange, share the beauty of Chinese culture through multicultural engagement, and work together with communities of all ethnicities to build a more harmonious, friendly and inclusive New Zealand.
华人头条奥克兰讯9月12日，BotanyandFlatBush华人协会受邀参加由新西兰印度社团联合组织举办的RakshaBandhan（兄妹守护节）庆典，与来自不同族裔、不同文化背景的社区朋友欢聚一堂，在传统仪式与精彩表演中，共同感受多元文化交...
