HSS chapters nationwide observed the annual tradition of celebrating Raksha Bandhan as Universal Oneness Day, which symbolizes the bonds and shared responsibilities of safeguarding one another by exchanging a thread known as “Rakhi.” Below are some highlights –
- 50 HSS volunteers and Hindu community members in Cleveland OH tied rakhi – the symbolic thread of protection – to firefighters, policemen, and city officials. They also set up a display of the Hindu civilizational expo, called Darshana. Mayor Edward Kraus of the City of Solon thanked the HSS for “sharing traditions and ongoing contributions to our shared vision of a harmonious community.” Solon Fire Chief, Mark Vedder proudly displayed a Rakhi tied to his vehicle from last year’s celebration. “This Rakhi is more than a thread; it’s a daily reminder of our noble duty to protect and serve,” he noted.
- HSS chapters in the San Ramon CA area celebrated Raksha Bandhan collectively by hosting 12 first responders. Children and youth volunteers tied them to the rakhi. All the 140 attendees enjoyed a traditional, festive lunch
- The Connecticut chapters of the HSS partnering with other Hindu community organizations visited the Norwalk and Milton Police Departments to honor the staff by tying rakhis, as the bond of “protection, obligation, and care”.
- Members of the Hindu-American community in Livermore CA, including the HSS and the Hindu Community and Cultural Center – Shiva Vishnu Temple, visited the Livermore Police Department to offer their greetings to the community’s protectors—police officers, firefighters, and first responders as part of the Raksha Bandhan celebration. “We were honored to share in this Hindu tradition, where Rakhis were tied as a symbol of unity. We also appreciated their prayers for our well-being and safety”, says the Livermore Police’s post on social media
- HSS volunteers from Austin TX visited APD’s Office of Community Liaison (OCL) and celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson, Community Engagement Officer, Lt. Fausto Rodriguez, and other department members. The volunteers showered wishes and tied Rakhi (Protection) wristbands on their wrists to symbolize the bonds shared between the protectors and the public
- Hindu American youth belonging to HSS Aurora IL visited with Aurora police officers and firefighters, honoring them with rakhis and sweet treats in gratitude for their service to the community. In the nearby town of Naperville, the local HSS chapters organized a similar ceremony outside the Naperville Police Department. Having witnessed this annual tradition several times, Naperville’s Fire Mark Chief Puknaitis remarked, “I have a collection of rakhis that have been presented to me over the years”
- HSS chapters in Edison NJ celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the Piscataway Police Department to extend their appreciation for the first responders. Volunteers in HSS uniforms and traditional outfits tied rakhi to 20 first responders. In a similar celebration in Parsippany, the children volunteers got to shake hands with police officials and peek inside the police car
- Through the efforts of Shivaji Shakha, the HSS received a proclamation for its celebration of Raksha Bandhan as Universal Oneness Day from Mayor Susan Landry of the City of Campbell CA