In offering His blessings for Raksha Bandhan, HH Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji shares a beautiful message that Raksha Bandhan should in addition to celebrating the beautiful bond of a brother and sister also celebrate the bond of humanity to Mother Earth.

He encourages Vrksha Bandhan as a means to reaffirming our vow, sharing “रक्षाबन्धन के साथ साथ वृक्षाबन्धन भी करे । वृक्षालिंगन भी करे।,” tying Rakhi to trees, hugging trees and meditating under them whilst remembering all the numerous ways that Mother Nature protects us every day and in turn offering our gratitude in the form of our commitment, conviction and actions to protect our planet. Our actions to prevent and reverse climate change, living lifestyles in alignment with our environment and becoming mindful to tread our planet lightly, taking only that what we need.

He wishes everyone a very Happy Raksha Bandhan, one in which we soak in the deep meaning and significance of this beautiful holiday.