Birchwood Manor, Whippany, NJ – On Sunday, Sept 29th, 2013 New Jersey a glorious moment in the annals of Hindu events history when nearly 2000 people representing over 30 organizations joined hands in celebrating “Dharma and Yoga Fest”, a unique “once in a lifetime” event spreading the message of “Universal Peace Through Dharma and Yoga”. Spearheaded by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Dharma and Yoga fest was held as the culmination of the year long festivities, in commemoration of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth year.  Such events are happening in 30 different cities across USA, spreading the awareness about Swamiji’s teachings and path of religious tolerance and brotherhood.

The event began at 11:00 am with a documentary on the life of Swami Vivekananda, prepared by 2nd Generation Hindus in America, and concluded at 7:30 pm with the recital of Ekatmata Mantra (Oneness Hymn) by over 1400 people in the Grand Ballroom of Birchwood Manor. After the video, over 200 people participated in step-by-step guided Saamuhik Ganesh puja. During puja, families sat on floor and Swami ji of the Krishna Vrundavan temple led the ceremony on stage. Every participant was provided with a small murthi of Ganesha along with puja material. The guests were then treated to a soul stirring, awe inspiring exhibition on Swamiji’s life and teachings before being directed to their respective tracks. Taking inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, the entire event was set up in four parallel tracks, namely, Gyaan Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and Raja Yoga.

The Gyaan Yoga (The Way of Knowledge) track was a stimulating series of lectures with question & answer sessions in between.  The popularity of the track could be gauged from the number of attendees who chose to stand and enjoy the sessions in a packed room for over 3 hours. Six different speakers from various organizations gave inspiring speeches on Gyaan Yoga track.

The Raja Yoga (The Royal Way) track activities included presentations by professionals from Yoga Studios  and Reiki  followed by simple workshops for the audience. These sessions were not only informational but were designed to motivate people to practice yoga in daily life. There were about five such sessions for this track.  The entire Gyan Yoga and Raja Yoga track was emceed by Art of Living devotees.

The Bhakti Yoga (The Way of Devotion) track turned out to be a great success and having the young ones performing bhajans instead of pop or Bollywood numbers was an exciting change to be admired. About sixteen different chanting, bhajan and dance groups participated in this track, which were beautifully emceed by two volunteers of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS.)

The Karma Yoga (The Way of Action) track  consisted of stalls belonging to various service, commercial and spiritual organizations including but not limited to Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Art of Living, Gayatri Parivar, and Patanjali Yogpeeth. The response from the crowd for booths and stalls was overwhelming.  As a part of Karma Yoga track one booth was dedicated to collecting bone marrow swabs and spreading awareness for donating bone marrow.

The program was graced with many public officials including the Mayor of the City of Parsippany, Counsilman and Candidates and an Assembly man of Indian origin Shri Upendra Chivukula. As one of the local councilman said, he had never seen so many people on this premises ever in his lifetime, sums it all about the program.

Overall, the attendees spent lot of time following the journey of this great monk of India by participating in various Yoga tracks. In order to keep the children engrossed while parents attended the session, a carnival had been set up as well. All the kids excitedly participated in fair to play games and win prizes through the day. In all, the environment was as karmically electric as Swami ji would have liked it to be.

Towards the end of the day, all paths converged to the auditorium where the stage was set for a grand conclusion. At 4:15pm the final culmination of the program, started with Bhajan Sandhya by Gayatri Parivaar. Around same time, Chief Guest, Swami Suguneendra Theertha ji and Keynote Speaker Yogrishi Swami Ramdev ji  were welcomed with vedic chanting into the hall. After that, a skit on Swami Vivekananda was performed by over 60 kids of HSS. The Skit was a grand success with everyone clapping loudly at every opportunity. Everyone was overjoyed by seeing young kids passionately conveying Swami Vivekananda’s teachings.

Both Swami ji’s gave great lecture on the need to follow life of Dharma and what is Dharma. Swami Suguneendra Theertha of Shri Krishna Vrundavana society explained importance of Sanskrit language vis-à-vis other languages in Sanskrit and talked about the Dharma and need of the Hour. Swami Ramdev ji was at his best and took the audience to different heights. He spell bounded entire audience for over an hour with his oratory. He talked about Dharma and why it is needed and exhorted everyone in audience to become modern day Vivekananda by imbibing his teachings in their life. He performed breathtaking yoga and breathing exercises  on the stage to the delight of kids and adults alike. The Dharma and Yoga Fest concluded with all present carrying the message of Swami Vivekananda on their tireless journey towards Divinity.

A myriad of New Jersey based organizations such as Art of Living, Aastha TV Channel, Bharat Swabhiman Overseas, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, Gayatri Parivar, Hindu Community Center of Kearny, Overseas Friends of BJP, Param Shakti Peeth, Patanjali Yogpeeth (USA), Samskrit Bharati, Sanatan Mandir/ICC of Parsippany, Sewa International, Senior Citizens of New Jersey, Shri Krishna Vrundavana Temple, Sri Aurobindo Yoga Foundation of North America, TV Asia, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America worked together to organize this event.

Some quotes

“It was indeed a life time experience, Hats off to all of the Volunteers.” – Panelist

“A big Om for entire team for a grand program meticulously planned and implemented. The kids and the skits were great.” – A parent

“From parking to vendors management, arrangements, stage management and especially the Grand Finale was such a befitting commemoration to the noble soul who spread Dharma and Yoga in East and West!” – A vendor

“A Hearty Congratulations to all the organizers.  Very enjoyable and educational day.  Extremely well organized.” – An attendee

About HSS

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) is a non-profit Hindu cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Hindu values amongst American society. It has around 150 chapters all over the USA. HSS runs weekly sessions for children called Bala Gokulam and for adults in the name of HSS chapters to teach Hindu culture, good values (samskaras), Yoga and meditation. All HSS chapters conclude with a prayer directed at the Supreme Being to attain universal peace among all communities.  More information on Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and its activities can be obtained from http://www.hssus.org.

As Americans across the nation commemorated Independence Day during the nation's 250th anniversary year, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA celebrated the occasion through patriotic ceremonies and parades, that brought together hundreds of volunteers, families, and youth to honor the ideals of freedom, service, and unit Across HSS summer camps nationwide, participants gathered beneath the Stars and Stripes to sing the national anthem, reflect on America's founding ideals, and celebrate the shared values that unite Hindu and American traditions.

In the Pacific Northwest, 60 camp attendees participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony accompanied by a traditional ghosh (band) performance commemorating America's 250-year journey. Camp Manager Taylor Sample expressed appreciation for the volunteers who organized the celebration, while HSS youth volunteer Pragna shared reflections on the enduring promise of the American Dream and its meaning for today's generation.

At the Southern California HSS camp, nearly 200 participants celebrated Independence Day by singing The Star-Spangled Banner before the American flag. Madhu Hebbar, Regional President of HSS Pacific Southwest, remarked:
"Independence Day reminds us that a diverse democracy is a living, breathing effort. Our dual identity is our strength. By weaving our timeless values of peace, duty, and community into the American experiment, we help build a more inclusive, vibrant, and more perfect union. Thank you, happy celebrations, and Happy 250th Independence Day!"

In North Carolina, around 100 HSS volunteers—including children, youth, women, and men dressed in HSS uniforms—marched in the annual Harrisburg Independence Day Parade. Carrying American flags and performing to the accompaniment of the HSS band, the volunteers proudly celebrated the nation's milestone birthday while demonstrating the spirit of community service and civic participation.

In Central California, approximately 90 camp attendees assembled in formation for a patriotic flag ceremony featuring the national anthem and reflections on the American story. Kumar Tripasuri, Network Director for the Central Pacific Region, urged the attendees:
"As we look toward the next 250 years, may we continue to draw strength from our heritage and our shared values to build a future that is inclusive, prosperous, and defined by the spirit of service. Happy 250th anniversary to the United States of America."

In upstate New York, 120 camp attendees enthusiastically participated in Independence Day celebrations at an HSS facility near Buffalo. Addressing the gathering, Sai Patil, Joint Director of HSS USA, spoke about the importance of Hindu and American values working together to shape a harmonious America of the future. She emphasized that values such as liberty, duty, pluralism, and service provide a strong foundation for building thriving communities and strengthening the nation's future.

Near Chicago, Illinois, more than 120 participants, including 50 camp attendees and 70 visitors, gathered for a flag-hoisting ceremony marked by the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner and speeches highlighting the natural confluence of Hindu values—such as selfless service (seva), respect for diversity, and duty (dharma)—with the enduring American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Throughout these celebrations, HSS volunteers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their communities through service, leadership development, and civic engagement. As Hindu Americans, they proudly embrace both their cultural heritage and their American identity, recognizing that these traditions together inspire responsible citizenship and meaningful contributions to society.

HSS USA extends warm Independence Day greetings to all Americans as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary. This historic milestone celebrates a constitutional democracy that continues to empower people of every background to realize their fullest potential while contributing to the strength, prosperity, and unity of the United States.

Though the word "Guru" may not be common in American classrooms, its essence is familiar. Every student has been shaped by a devoted teacher's patience and belief in them. To acknowledge and appreciate these educators, the Hindu American community holds Guru Vandana events each year to coincide with "Teacher Appreciation Week." Spearheaded by the Hindu Education Foundation (HEF), a project of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, these events have attracted thousands of educators nationwide. This year, 1,874 teachers, 71 principals, 19 superintendents, 54 school board members, and 41 civic officials were honored. More than 7,500 other participants, including parents, students, and community members, attended these events.

In these 105 events, children presented cultural programs featuring Sanskrit shlokas, speeches, and performances. Central to the event was the ceremony honoring the teachers with traditional Hindu rituals, including the Aarti, during which students touched the teachers' feet to seek blessings. Students and teachers shared heartfelt feelings for each other.

The students reflected on how teachers shape not just academic skills but kindness, responsibility, and character. One young student captured the spirit simply: "My teacher helps me when I feel sad, too. I love my teacher." A high school teacher attending the event in Matthews, North Carolina, said, "There is a special bond between teachers and children." She added, "In a world where teachers are not always appreciated, I am just thankful and grateful for this experience."

Celebrations Move Into Schools and Campuses

Guru Vandana has traditionally been held at community centers. This year, many parents and students took the initiative to organize celebrations directly within their own schools. Alongside the ceremonies honoring the teachers and expressing gratitude, the students gave presentations on Hindu philosophy and the importance of the Guru in Hindu culture. Many events organized poster exhibitions introducing Hindu philosophy to the audience.

The spirit of Guru Vandana also extended to college and high school campuses this year. The celebrations were led by Hindu YUVA, a student organization active at schools across the country. At one such event at the Iowa State University, Hindu YUVA honored professors, deans, and the university leadership. ISU President David Cook, who attended the event with several faculty members, said he felt honored to attend and was impressed by what the students had organized, calling it a meaningful way for students to recognize the faculty who mentor them.

Chapters of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) across the country celebrated Earth Day 2026 through environmental and community impact initiatives focused on sustainability, civic responsibility, and care for the natural world. Volunteers of all ages participated in tree planting, park and highway cleanups, gardening projects, and community beautification efforts in partnership with schools, temples, nonprofit organizations, and local municipalities.

A major focus this year was on environmental restoration and tree plantation activities. In California, volunteers from the South Los Angeles region partnered with the City of Mission Viejo to plant more than 30 saplings of flowers and fruit trees, while volunteers in Monrovia participated in tree-planting and campus beautification activities at Monrovia High School. Dharini Shakha in East Los Angeles also organized greening and Earth Day service projects. In New Jersey, HSS volunteers joined local community organizations at Swales Park in Edison to clean garden beds, remove trash, and plant native flowers and herbs to support pollinator habitats and beautify the park.

Across several states, volunteers undertook cleanup drives to improve public spaces and promote environmental awareness. HSS and Sewa families in Naperville-Aurora, Illinois, cleaned 6 miles of highway despite cold, windy conditions, while volunteers in Dallas, Texas, collected multiple bags of litter during an Adopt-a-Street cleanup initiative. In Peoria, Arizona, volunteers from Jijamata Shakha adopted and cleaned a one-mile stretch of “Vivekananda Marg” as part of Earth Day and National Volunteer Week activities. TriCities Shakha in Washington State conducted its annual spring-cleaning drive at the local temple, and HSS volunteers in Dublin, California, joined residents and city officials for community service events during Dublin Pride Week.

HSS chapters also emphasized sustainability and food security through gardening and community service projects. In South Houston, volunteers launched an eight-week community gardening initiative in collaboration with the Sri Jagannath Hindu Temple of Rosenberg and the Universal Shraddha Foundation. Families and youth are learning organic gardening practices while growing vegetables that will later be distributed within the community. In Ohio, Bharati Shakha volunteers partnered with a local food pantry to organize, package, and distribute food to families in need.

Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, serves as a reminder of humanity’s shared responsibility toward nature and future generations. Hindu traditions regard the Earth as Bhoomi Mata — Mother Earth — deserving care, gratitude, and protection. Through these service activities, HSS volunteers across the United States demonstrated how collective action and community engagement can contribute to cleaner, greener, and healthier neighborhoods.

From January 14th to February 1st, 2026, the 19th annual Surya Namaskar Yajna (SNY), also known as the Health for Humanity Yogathon, brought together communities across the United States in a vibrant celebration of health, mindfulness, and cultural connection. Organized annually by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), this year’s Yogathon saw even greater participation and impact, as thousands embraced Surya Namaskar—a holistic wellness practice comprising a sequence of 10 or more yoga postures.

Over the course of 19 days, participants across the country collectively performed an impressive 911,340 Surya Namaskars, reflecting a growing nationwide commitment to physical and mental well-being. The initiative reached 32 states, with over 240 HSS chapters actively organizing and conducting sessions.
Educational institutions continued to play a vital role in the Yogathon’s success. This year, the Hindu Education Foundation led the efforts to organize Sun Salutations in schools around the country as part of the PE programs. Special sessions were also held at universities, reinforcing the importance of integrating yoga and wellness into academic environments.

SNY 2026 further expanded its footprint by reaching a diverse array of community spaces, including temples, libraries, senior centers, nonprofit organizations, and workplaces. Participation from interfaith groups and communities such as the Nepali/Bhutanese Samaj highlighted the universal appeal and inclusivity of Surya Namaskar. A standout highlight remained the Sevika Leher, where women volunteers of HSS performed Surya Namaskars continuously across all U.S. time zones for six hours, exemplifying dedication, discipline, and unity.

The Yogathon’s growing impact was recognized at the civic level as well, with over 5 cities and the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and South California issuing official proclamations in support of the initiative. Complementing the physical practice, educational outreach included webinars, offering insights into yoga, wellness, and holistic living.

To ensure effective outreach and quality instruction, 200+ volunteers underwent structured training programs, equipping them to lead sessions across shakhas, schools, and community venues. Training included both classical Surya Namaskar and chair-based adaptations, ensuring accessibility for participants of all ages and abilities.

Reflecting on the Yogathon’s success, national coordinators noted the continued innovation and grassroots enthusiasm—from youth-led initiatives to programs hosted in diverse community settings. The emphasis on building a strong base of trained practitioners and instructors has further strengthened the movement, enabling participants to carry the practice into their own neighborhoods.

Surya Namaskar Yogathon 2026 stands as a testament to the power of collective effort. By bringing together individuals and communities across the nation, the initiative continues to promote a shared commitment to health, harmony, and holistic well-being, reinforcing yoga’s enduring role in nurturing body, mind, and spirit.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA chapters across several states commemorated Black History Month 2026 through educational programs, guest lectures, and community dialogues highlighting the contributions of African Americans to American society and encouraging stronger bonds between communities.

The events brought together civic leaders, educators, youth, and community members to reflect on the legacy of Black history while emphasizing shared values of service, unity, and civic engagement.

In Arizona, HSS chapters organized programs in both the East Valley and North Valley. In East Valley, HSS hosted Matt Orlando, council member for the City of Chandler, who spoke about Chandler’s diverse and vibrant community and how civic engagement contributes to making the city a model of the American spirit. In North Valley, Bami Adelayo, a criminal defense attorney and author originally from Nigeria, shared reflections from his personal journey as an immigrant and discussed themes from his book that highlight perseverance and identity.

In California’s Bay Area, in the San Joaquin region hosted a special gathering to honor Black History Month. Guest speakers included Mayor Akinjo, Manteca Unified School District Vice President Eric Duncan Sr., Police Captain Barries, Lathrop Juneteenth Committee Chair Brandy Perkins, and high school student Dasani Brown. Speakers reflected on the legacy and achievements of African Americans and their impact on the nation’s history. Members of the local Black community attended the program, and a high school student curated a Black History exhibit featuring historical memorabilia. The event concluded with remarks highlighting shared values and community solidarity.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, HSS chapters hosted local community leaders for open conversations about Black history, culture, and leadership. Participants discussed the importance of role models, youth development, and collaboration among communities. Guests also expressed appreciation for the volunteer-driven service initiatives that HSS conducts throughout the year.

In Central New Jersey, HSS hosted educators and community members on February 20. Guests included Jennifer Murphy, principal of Fords Middle School; Precious Acosta, English Language Arts teacher; Emilia Martinez, paraprofessional; and Kevin Harrison, retired vice principal of Colonia High School. Ms. Acosta delivered a presentation on the influence of Black writers and the power of literature in shaping social change. The guests participated in traditional shakha activities and were honored for their contributions to education and community service.

During the Centennial Black History Month celebrations, Black Heritage Society Inc. also recognized Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh for its efforts to promote inclusivity, equality, and community engagement.

HSS USA leaders noted that these programs reflect the organization’s commitment to building bridges between communities and celebrating the shared ideals of service and mutual respect that strengthen American society.