Growing Significance and Celebration of Hindu Heritage Month: Embracing the Spirit of Seva Across America
- Through proclamations, VHPA-led events, and programs such as Sewa Diwali, the Hindu community continues to enrich the U.S. with its philosophy of unity and aid.
October marks a vibrant time for the Hindu American community across the United States, as it is widely recognized as Hindu Heritage Month. This annual observance celebrates the rich cultural, spiritual, and historical contributions of Hindu Americans, highlighting their traditions, achievements, and integral role in the nation’s diverse fabric. What began as grassroots efforts has grown into official proclamations in numerous states and cities, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for Hinduism’s profound influence.
In 2025, states like Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio have issued gubernatorial proclamations designating October as Hindu Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s positive impact on society. Ohio, in particular, made history this year by becoming the first state to grant legal standing to the month, a milestone that underscores the growing recognition of Hindu Americans’ heritage.
The push for Hindu Heritage Month can be traced back to advocacy by organizations such as the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), which have championed similar recognitions for years. Virginia led the way as the first state to officially acknowledge October as Hindu Heritage Month, thanks to community leaders like Delegate Suhas Subramanyam.
VHPA’s Central Role
The VHPA plays a central role in these festivities, kicking off the month-long celebrations with an inaugural function in Kearny, NJ, inviting participants to share their plans and engage in events that showcase Hindu culture and traditions. Events nationwide include cultural festivals, workshops, and community gatherings. For instance, in New Jersey, the fifth anniversary of Hindu Heritage Month kicked off with the VHPA-led celebration on October 4, 2025. In Houston, the Children’s Museum hosted a family-friendly event with mindful workshops and creative activities, blending culture and community spirit.
These observances often coincide with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights on October 20, 2025, which commemorates Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana and rescuing his wife Sita, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and amplifying themes of renewal and goodwill.
At the heart of Hindu Heritage Month lies a deep-rooted philosophy that emphasizes compassion and service to others. Hinduism teaches that helping the needy is not just an act of kindness but a fundamental duty, encapsulated in concepts like dāna (charity) and seva (selfless service). Dāna refers to generous giving without expectation of return, often in the form of food, clothing, money, or knowledge to those in need. The Rig Veda, one of Hinduism’s oldest scriptures, extols dāna as essential aid to the poor, including provisions like food or protection. Anna dāna, or food donation, holds special significance, as it sustains life and alleviates hunger, considered one of the highest forms of charity.
The push for Hindu Heritage Month can be traced back to advocacy by organizations such as the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), which have championed similar recognitions for years.
Seva, meanwhile, embodies selfless action performed for the greater good, rooted in the belief that serving humanity is akin to serving the divine. Hindu texts stress that God resides in every being, making aid to the needy a spiritual practice that purifies the giver’s soul. This philosophy extends beyond caste or community; scriptures urge helping all poor individuals, not just specific groups. During festivals like Diwali and Navaratri, Hindus traditionally offer food and support to the underprivileged, reinforcing these values. In essence, dāna and seva promote a life of empathy, where material success is measured by contributions to society’s welfare.
A shining example of this philosophy in action is the Sewa Diwali program, a nationwide initiative led by Hindu and broader Dharmic communities in the USA. Sewa Diwali transforms the joy of Diwali into acts of service by organizing food drives to combat food insecurity. The program unites yoga centers, temples, gurudwaras, and spiritual groups from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist traditions to collect non-perishable items for local food banks and shelters.
Since its inception, Sewa Diwali has made a significant impact. In 2023, participants donated over 502,000 pounds of food to more than 200 beneficiary organizations nationwide. The previous year saw even higher contributions, with 630,000 pounds collected, demonstrating the program’s growing scale. Dharmic communities in cities such as Dallas, TX, and Philadelphia, PA, and many cities across the USA host collection events that engage families and youth, fostering a sense of community while addressing hunger.
Rooted in the spirit of seva, the initiative embodies Hinduism’s call to selfless giving, spreading light not just through lamps but through tangible support for those in need. As one participant noted, it “makes a difference in the lives of those suffering from food insecurity,” aligning perfectly with Diwali’s themes of prosperity and compassion.
Selfless Giving
Hindu Heritage Month serves as a powerful reminder of these enduring values, encouraging all Americans to embrace diversity and service. Through proclamations, VHPA-led events, and programs such as Sewa Diwali, the Hindu community continues to enrich the U.S. with its philosophy of unity and aid. As the month unfolds, it invites reflection on how small acts of kindness can illuminate society, proving that heritage is not just preserved but actively lived.
In the face of rising Hinduphobic attacks on places of worship and individuals in the USA, these celebrations and programs take on added importance. Since December 2024, at least eight Hindu temples have been vandalized, with incidents escalating to eleven targeted attacks in 2025, including gunfire at an ISKCON temple in Utah and vandalism in California and New York. Hindu students have faced bullying and doxxing on campuses, while individuals endure hate crimes fueled by prejudice. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has condemned these acts, stating, “hate has no place.” Amid this, Hindu Heritage Month and initiatives like Sewa Diwali promote positive narratives, educate the public on Hindu contributions, foster interfaith dialogue, and build community resilience to counter Hinduphobia and ensure safety.
Madhu Hebbar, an engineer, is an IIT graduate, living in the greater Los Angeles area. He is a practicing Hindu, and an avid reader, who is interested in Eastern philosophies and their general application to Western challenges. He is engaged in coaching youngsters interested in Hindu civilizational history, universal values and its modern-day relevance.