Today is the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan. "Raksha" means protection and "Bandhan" means bond. So the name of the festival translates as "bond of protection". There is an ancient tradition of tying a thread or decorative band round the wrist of family members. These bands are also given to people who provide protection, as an expression of gratitude. To mark Raksha Bandhan this year, members of the Hindu community in Barnet have been visiting essential workers to thank them for their work in the Covid outbreak.
This is a regular feature of Raksha Bandhan in Barnet and this photo is from a 2018 visit of HSS UK (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) to the ambulance station in Friern Barnet.
I send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Raksha Bandhan today. Like my Hindu constituents, I thank our brave and dedicated front line workers for all they have done to help us through the pandemic.
