BRADFORD South Asian Heritage Month concludes this weekend with what promises to be a fun and inclusive finale.

People are urged to celebrate the Hindu and Sikh festival of Raksha Bandhan – and thank all frontline and grassroots Covid-19 workers at the same time.

Raksha Bandhan is about the importance of sibling bonds and protecting each other. It’s traditionally symbolised by sisters tying beaded decorative threads called ‘rakhee’ on their brothers’ and other male relatives’ wrists.

But this year, everyone is being encouraged to embrace the universal values of Raksha Bandhan – and spread a little love.

People are being to get involved by joining a community ‘raakhee’ tying get together in City Park tomorrow at 3pm (meeting point – under the big screen in City Park), ahead of the main Raksha Bandhan festival day on Sunday.

People are also urged to share videos on social media using the #HappyRakshaBandhanBradford hashtag. Tag in @BradfordSAHM and they will then re-share them on their channels.

Kajal Patel is from the Bradford Hindu Sevika Samiti, a women’s organisation which promotes the universal Hindu values of unity and community.

She said: “The Hindu tradition values the idea of ‘the whole world is one family’.

“Many know Raksha Bandhan as the festival where sisters tie ‘raakhees’ as a symbol of protection but Raksha Bandhan is so much more than that.

”The word itself means the bond of protection – but protection not only in reference to our immediate siblings, but to everyone who serves, nurtures and cares for us.

“The festival reminds us of the need to care for one another. And during these unprecedented times, the value of community spirit has proved to be necessary more than ever.

“So Raksha Bandhan is where we come together as one united family to show our gratitude to those who have contributed their services, including those from the NHS, the fire service, the police and all the other frontline staff.”

The Raksha Bandhan celebration will conclude this year’s Bradford South Asian Heritage Month.

It’s the second year for the festival, which launched on July 17 with the sold-out ‘Gigglewallahs!’ open mic comedy night and, over the past few weeks, has featured a mix of live and virtual events, among them a hip-hop night featuring young South Asian performers; poetry and dance showcases; a retrospective of the legendary Bradford Mela; ‘musical calligraphy’ events combining Islamic calligraphy with Sufi music influences; conversation sessions focusing on men’s and women’s mental health and issues like depression and menopause, and cooking and sports sessions.

The idea of Bradford South Asian Heritage Month - which is supported by Bradford Fringe, The Leap, the Bradford 2025 City of Culture bid, Bradford BID and Bradford Council  among others - is to promote the rich and vibrant contribution of South Asian diaspora communities to the life and identity of Bradford, and to reach out to people regardless of background who are interested in South Asian culture but who might not normally engage with mainstream arts and culture.