BOLTON made its debut as the venue for a national celebration of the links between the Hindu community and the Armed Forces.

Members of Britain’s army, navy and air force, Hindus from Bolton and people who travelled from as far as India, gathered at the Krishna Temple yesterday for a special event.

The Beverly Road temple hosted the start of Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival that celebrates bonds of protection.

The national event organised by the Armed Forces Hindu Network was held in the town for the first time with the support of the Bolton Hindu Forum.

Speaking at the ceremony, forum secretary Madha Taratiya said: “What better way to celebrate this Raksha Bandhan with you all than by bringing it to Bolton?

“I would like to thank all of the Bolton Hindu Forum and the Bolton community for bringing such an event here and great thanks to you for all you have done in continuing your duties for families, friends, our loved ones and our country.”

There are about 950 Hindus serving in the Armed Forces, with 900 in the Army, 35 in the RAF and 15 in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

The armed forces Hindu Network held its first series of Raksha Bandhan events last year.

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, celebrates brotherhood and love, with Raksha meaning protection and Bandhan the verb to tie.

For the armed forces, the festival is a chance to celebrate its links with the community, as well as improve engagement and emphasise the shared values of commitment, respect, integrity and loyalty.

Armed forces Hindu Network chairman and Royal Navy Sgt Lt Cmdr Dr Manish Tayal said Bolton was chosen to start the second year of celebrations because of the strong community ties built by Bolton Hindu Forum.

He added: “The Hindu community here in Bolton is extremely active and the forum is leading the way nationally for bringing people together.

“There are 25 different Hindu organisations and communities in Bolton that all work together and we wanted to acknowledge that and celebrate with them.”

The Bolton event was attended by members of the Hindu community, local cadet groups and councillors, Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Lynda Byrne, national and international members of the Armed Forces Hindu Network and Royal Navy regional commander for northern England and the Isle of Man, Commodore Gary Doyle.

Celebrations included young members of the temple tying thread bands known as rakhis on wrists of personnel from armed forces units to represent and reinforce bonds of friendship, mutual protection and support.

There was also a performance by the temple’s junior dance group and Bolton youth MP Jaya Patel.

The 16-year-old from Heaton said: “I feel this event is a really good opportunity for Bolton and to represent our community.

“It’s brilliant to see so many people from high-held positions in the armed forces recognising what we do.

“I feel very proud and privilege to attend and represent the young people from my local authority.”