New York: More than 5,000 people from 39 US states are expected to attend the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ to be addressed by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat at New York’s prestigious Madison Square Garden on Saturday, August 29 (local time).
The gathering, scheduled to begin at 2 pm, is expected to bring together participants from 85 cities, with nearly 200 organisations partnering for the programme, according to event organisers.
RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat features on digital billboards at Times Square, New York, ahead of the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden. #UniversalOneness #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #MohanBhagwat #NewYork #RSS100@RSSorg @aheadforum1 pic.twitter.com/7ESjcy8qWH
— RSS Friends US (@rssfriendsus) August 29, 2026
The scale of participation from different parts of the United States has been a key feature of the programme, which has drawn representatives of Hindu-American organisations, temples, yoga groups and cultural organisations. The event is being organised during the RSS centenary year and has the support of 135 Hindu-American organisations, according to organisers.
According to the organisers, the programme was intended to present the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which views the world as one family.
“This event is a celebration of the Indian philosophy ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which is that the world is one big family,” they said.
The organisers said the registration process received a strong response and was subsequently closed after demand exceeded the available capacity. Registration had initially been open to the public.
Those unable to attend the programme in person will be able to watch it online.
Unity and dialogue at the centre
The programme has been planned with interfaith, cultural and spiritual components, with organisers positioning it around themes of unity, service, dialogue and harmony.
The programme will include cultural and spiritual presentations, including an a cappella performance by Indian-American youth and the chanting of hymns. It is being held during the Raksha Bandhan weekend, which organisers said represents protection, care and bonds between people.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat’s US engagements
Following the Madison Square Garden programme, Dr Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to attend two additional private engagements in New York before continuing his visit to Canada.
Ahead of the event, digital billboards featuring Dr. Mohan Bhagwat were also displayed at Times Square in New York.
The programme is being organised by the AHEAD Forum, with participation and support from Hindu-American organisations across the United States.
