The Hindu Students’ Organization at Warmadewa University in Bali, in collaboration with Pasemetonan Mahasisya Hindu Dharma, began celebrating Hindu Heritage Month 2023 a full three months ahead of its formal inauguration. They organized a multinational event on July 1, 2023, with the chanting of mantras from the Rg Veda, featuring speakers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Bharat, and the United States. The discussions focused on shared Hindu values and how they have bound the global Hindu community together for millennia, enabling contributions to both our motherlands and adopted lands in fields ranging from spirituality to politics.

The official inauguration of Hindu Heritage Month 2023 was held on October 1, 2023, in Monroe Township, New Jersey. In addition to an excellent cultural program and inspirational chanting of the Gita and Shiv Stotra by local youth, the event featured, for the first time, the American Hindu Lifetime Contribution Award (AHLCA), a program initiated by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA). Twelve prominent personalities from across the United States were honored with this prestigious award for their lifelong contributions to Hindu society. The program attracted significant media attention and was broadcast live.

This year’s inaugural event coincided with the formal opening of the nearby BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ. It was a unique honor to be invited on stage in the august presence of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj to describe the vision of Hindu Heritage Month to thousands of devotees in attendance and millions of Hindus watching the proceedings online.

Hundreds of Hindu mandirs and organizations in the US and around the world partnered to celebrate their shared cultural heritage. The celebrations included a wide variety of events, reflecting the diverse nature of Hindu society. These ranged from traditional festivities like Navaratri, Durga Puja, Vijaya Dashami, and Deepawali, to philanthropic endeavors such as blood drives, 5K fundraising walks, and significant food collection drives for the needy. Educational seminars, discussions on Sanskrit and cultural promotion, readings of Hindu value statements at various city councils, and many other activities enriched the tapestry of Hindu Heritage Month.

Letters of congratulations poured in from numerous political leaders, including one from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nearly 23 states and 60 city governments in the United States acknowledged the contributions of the Hindu diaspora by issuing formal proclamations designating October as Hindu Heritage Month. Many organizations actively connected with their elected representatives at both local and state levels across the nation. A special mention is due to one dedicated karyakarta who single-handedly garnered more than a dozen city proclamations in New Jersey. Several of these recognition events were attended by top state officials, include the state governors in some instances.