NEW YORK: Raksha Bandhan was celebrated at The Stage, Madison Square Garden, New York on August 29, during the Universal Oneness Celebration, bringing together people across faiths and communities.
As part of the celebration, a woman tied a rakhi on the wrist of RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, symbolising a vow of protection, trust and mutual respect. The traditional festival was presented as a broader expression of social harmony, extending the bond of Raksha Bandhan beyond familial relationships. The ceremony highlighted the idea that every social connection carries a responsibility of care and protection, transcending religious and cultural boundaries and reinforcing the message of universal oneness.
Raksha Bandhan celebrated at The Stage, Madison Square Garden, New York, during the #UniversalOneness Celebration. pic.twitter.com/rhoLANzuth
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 29, 2026
Emphasising that harmony is an active choice rather than a passive belief, organisers of the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ brought the audience together in a collective Rakhi-tying ceremony designed to foster community bonds across diverse backgrounds.
As part of the interactive segment, attendees were guided to open envelopes distributed across the venue seats prior to the event. Participants were encouraged to turn to their neighbours—whether long-time acquaintances or individuals met for the first time—and tie the symbolic thread of Raksha Bandhan around their wrists. Concurrently, honoured guests and speakers on stage were presented with Rakhis to mark the occasion.
A Sacred Thread Beyond Borders
Addressing the gathering, organisers highlighted that the sacred thread represents a commitment far broader than traditional familial obligations, serving as a reminder of collective care and civic responsibility.
“Today, the thread represents something larger: our shared commitment to care for one another, to respect one another, and to recognise that our well-being is connected,” the gathering was told. “As we tie Rakhis today, may this simple thread remind us that oneness is not only something we believe in; it is something we choose to practise.”
The ceremony sought to translate ancient philosophical principles into an accessible, hands-on experience of unity. Organisers noted that traditional cultural practices like Raksha Bandhan carry a universal message of mutual protection and brotherhood that resonates across communities worldwide, offering a practical model for building inclusive societies.
Meanwhile,more than 5,000 people from 39 US states are attending the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’.
The gathering brought together participants from 85 cities, with nearly 200 organisations partnering for the programme, according to event organisers.
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.
“This event is a celebration of the Indian philosophy ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which is that the world is one big family,” they said.
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 also includes cultural and spiritual presentations, including an a cappella performance by Indian-American youth and the chanting of hymns.
Ahead of the event, digital billboards featuring Dr. Mohan Bhagwat were also displayed at Times Square in New York.
The programme is organised by the AHEAD Forum, with participation and support from Hindu-American organisations across the United States.
