Police officers protect the community, and the bond shared with those they serve was celebrated this morning during a special Raksha Bandhan ritual.
'Raksha' means protection and 'Bandhan' to tie, and for the first time at South Australia Police (SAPOL) headquarters members from the Indian Hindu community were welcomed to honour the tradition.
This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday 9 August, and in India the annual festival celebrates the bond of protection between siblings when sisters tie rakhis on the wrists of their brothers.
In recent years, symbolism of this sibling bond has been extended to honour those who protect and serve the community including soldiers, police, and other emergency service workers.
During SAPOL's Raksha Bandhan ceremony Indian Hindu community members tied a rakhi on the right wrist of police officers present to represent the bond of protection, care and obligation.
Delicately beaded, the rakhis featured the word 'samp', meaning 'unity'.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens thanked all involved in the heartwarming event.
"While brothers promise to protect their sisters, our police strive to protect all in society without asking for anything in return," he said.
"South Australia embraces many cultures and traditions, and we welcome any opportunity to celebrate diversity and collaboration.
"I know police and our colleagues across other emergency services feel appreciated by this gesture."
Representing the community, Sangna Joshi explained the tradition to those present, which is deeply rooted in Indian mythology, and thanked all in uniform for their service.
"As police officers you serve on the frontline each and every day safeguarding our community, maintaining peace, and placing the needs of others above your own," she said.
"Your sacrifice, discipline and courage give us a security and confidence to live our lives freely and safely… so this is a heartfelt expression of our respect, gratitude and admiration of the invaluable role you all play in our society."
The ceremony concluded with traditional peda sweets offered to signify the sweetness of the bond.
Members from the Indian Hindu community were welcomed to South Australia Police Headquarters this morning for a Raksha Bandhan ritual.
'Raksha' means protection and 'Bandhan' to tie, and the annual festival celebrates the bond of protection between siblings when sisters tie rakhis on the wrists of their brothers.
During SAPOL's Raksha Bandhan ceremony Indian Hindu community members tied a rakhi on the right wrist of police officers present to represent the bond of protection, care and obligation.
Sangna Joshi was honoured to tie a rakhi on Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens as part of this morning's ceremony.
