Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) announces the nineteenth annual “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” or “Surya Namaskar Yajna” (SNY). This program runs from January 14th to February 1st, 2026. Participants of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths are invited to kickstart the New Year with health awareness and practice.

Surya Namaskar is a yogic practice performed in reverence of the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits when performed regularly. It consists of ten physical postures performed in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans who aspire to a fit body and balanced mind.

Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals. Regardless of their faith and belief, these participants have performed over four million Surya Namaskars over the past several years. This is a testament to the success of the Yogathon in achieving inclusion in communities nationwide while promoting public health and well-being equitably.

Acknowledging this, community leaders and elected officials across the nation also appreciate this initiative and encourage their residents to participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon and benefit from a healthy lifestyle. The Yogathon has received numerous proclamations from American mayors, governors, US Congressmen, and US Senators. It also found recognition in the Congressional records in 2017. The “Let’s Move” initiative of then First Lady Michelle Obama declared HSS as a partner in 2012 in recognition of the Yogathon.

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.