Indian Celebration of Rakhi

Traditionally, Rakhi has been a day when brothers and sisters affirm their friendship through the tying of bracelets on each others’ wrists. These days, the festival has evolved to include broad affirmations of friendship and community.
As Nelson’s Indian community is growing and more students are coming to study here from India, committee member, Shilmoni Singh, suggested the Nelson Multicultural Council might like to support this colourful festival.

On Saturday 16th August 2008, over 200 people attended the Rakhi Celebration at the Student Centre at NMIT.

The event brought members of the Indian community together and children of Indian ethnicity were able to experience an aspect of their cultural heritage. NMIT students from India really enjoyed themselves and in a small way it helped to dispel some of their homesickness and made them feel welcome in Nelson.

In terms of promoting positive race relations and promoting cultural diversity and its benefits, this event was very successful. Even if people didn’t make it to the event itself, they read about it and saw beautiful photos in the Nelson Mail and The Leader or heard about it on the radio.

Photos by Bob Bickerton