Hon. Shameen Thakur– Rajbansi attended the Diwali luncheon at Kampara Senior Citizens in Clare Estate where she
spoke on the significance of Hindu customs and traditions as part of the prayers done pre, during and post Diwali which
involves an important step of tying a red string known as a mauli or kalava.
For women the string is tied on the left wrist and for men on the right, she said.
During Luxmi prayers this string invokes the blessings of the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Malesh together with
their consorts Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga. The blessings are for compassion and wisdom; strength and prosperity,
and warding off bad influences and strength, respectively from the partners. The red thread protects against disease
and improves immunity which is most necessary post COVID.
The “Mauli” means “above all” or the head, that stands high. Simply put, we must uphold and protect our dharma and
our dharma will protect us.
Mrs Rajbansi wished everyone a blissful Diwali/Deepavali celebration and reminded all to use fireworks safely.