Photo for representational purpose.
Indian expats in the UAE celebrated the festival of 'Raksha Bandhan' at the Indian Consulate.
The Indian People's Forum chose to showcase the secular spirit during the event held at the Consulate.
Representatives from the Hindu, Bohra, Christian and Sikh communities attended the event, the Khaleej Times reported.
"The feeling of safety - one filled with love, and all of which is intertwined in one sacred thread, is the main message of this festival. We all are brothers and sisters," Mr Chidanandapuri, a native of Kerala who attended the event yesterday said.
Mr Mohammed Khomusi representing the Sharjah Bohra community said that Raksha Bandhan is a festival that has a message for every community.
"In India, all festivals are celebrated by people across all religion. And this is the beauty of India that makes all our festivals secular. Such bonding forms the very basis of our country and it will continue," he said.
Priest Aji K Chacko of a church in Sharjah said the 'bond of protection' is very important.
"As the gender issues and atrocities are growing, it is in this view that this festival - the bond of protection - is very important for all of us," he said.