Hindu American Foundation

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Hindu American Foundation www.hinduamerican.org The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is an educational and advocacy organization established in 2003. Our Guiding Principles

Satya. Ahimsa.
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HAF focuses on educating the public about Hindus and Hinduism and advocating for policies and practices that ensure the well-being of all people and the planet. We work directly with educators and journalists to ensure accurate understanding of Hindus and Hinduism. We also work with policymakers and key stakeholders to champion issues of concern to Hindu Americans, including defending civil and human rights and protecting all living beings. Inspired by our guiding principles and Hindu teachings, HAF promotes dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism. The Hindu American Foundation is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or entities. Be truthful. We pride ourselves in offering programming and information with accuracy, integrity, and honesty. Be non-harming. We aspire to work and communicate fairly and respectfully. Viveka. Be discerning. We approach our work through careful contemplation, reason, and consensus building. Nutana. Be innovative. We aspire to keep our work and approach relevant to our constituents by being creative, innovative, and flexible. Sadbhavana. Be collaborative. We seek out partnerships with other individuals and organizations to forward our objectives. Kutumbakam. Be big-hearted. We value and respect each other as individuals, work well together as a team, and respect each other’s work/life balance. Utsaah. Be passionate. We are passionate about Hindu Dharma, the global community, and our work.

With Diwali just around the corner, many businesses are preparing products, décor, and gifts for the festival of lights....
10/22/2026

With Diwali just around the corner, many businesses are preparing products, décor, and gifts for the festival of lights.

In recent years, sacred Hindu images have sometimes been used on merchandise like clothing, home items, or promotional products without understanding their cultural and spiritual significance. While it may seem harmless, such misuse can be deeply offensive to Hindus worldwide and diminish the meaning behind these sacred symbols.

As you plan your Diwali offerings, it’s important to honor the traditions and symbolism behind these images. To help, we’ve put together Guidelines for Commercial Use of Hindu Images so you can celebrate respectfully while sharing your products.

If you’re still unsure whether your usage is appropriate, feel free to DM us for advice — we’re here to help you navigate it thoughtfully. 👉

Though Hindu imagery is regularly used in a commercial context to market many domestic items, both in India and the United States, there are certain guidelines that are generally observed.

Calling racism “politics” doesn’t make the hate any less racist, or the harm any less real. HAF is taking this fight to ...
10/22/2026

Calling racism “politics” doesn’t make the hate any less racist, or the harm any less real. HAF is taking this fight to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

During Columbia University’s 2024 campus occupation, two non-Jewish janitors allege being threatened, held inside Hamilton Hall, and called “Jew lovers.” HAF is urging the Second Circuit to recognize that political rhetoric cannot automatically excuse racist harassment or erase discriminatory motives.

The Klan Act exists to prevent exactly this type of discrimination against any racial group or its supporters. HAF’s brief highlights how Hindu Americans and temples face racist, anti-Indian hate. In a recent attempted mass shooting in Aurora, a shooter targeted a prominent Hindu temple, saying he “could not wait to kill Indian people.” From anti-Jewish harassment to anti-Hindu hate, politics is no free pass for racism.

HAF fully supports Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi for leading this crucial initiative and stands in support of the call...
10/21/2026

HAF fully supports Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi for leading this crucial initiative and stands in support of the call for an FBI investigation into the attempted attack on the Aurora Hindu temple.

We urge FBI Director Kash Patel to act on this request and ensure that potential anti-Indian hate crimes are thoroughly investigated and addressed. We also appreciate HarmeetKDhillon already stated commitment that Department of Civi lRights will investigate and, we hope, corroborate hate crime charges.

10/20/2026

For those of us who warned that unchecked anti-Indian and anti-Hindu rhetoric would turn deadly, one of our worst nightmares nearly came true.

Happy Dussehra and Vijayadashami!Dussehra celebrates Sri Rama’s victory over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of dharma o...
10/20/2026

Happy Dussehra and Vijayadashami!

Dussehra celebrates Sri Rama’s victory over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of dharma over adharma. It also marks the culmination of Ramlila, dramatic and dance retellings of the story of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.

Beyond the celebration, this auspicious day reminds us to overcome the negativity, biases, and prejudices within ourselves and embrace a fresh beginning rooted in righteousness and compassion.

📅 Want to learn more about Hindu festivals and observances throughout the year?

Download our FREE Dharmic Days and Hindu Observances Calendar now! 👉 https://www.hinduamerican.org/community/hindu-holidays-guide

From Durga Puja celebrations in the East to Navaratri Golu displays inspired by traditions from the South, Hindu America...
10/19/2026

From Durga Puja celebrations in the East to Navaratri Golu displays inspired by traditions from the South, Hindu Americans are bringing the festive spirit to communities across the United States! 🇺🇸

HAF staff are celebrating the season in their own special ways, honoring the traditions that connect us to our roots while keeping our Dharmic heritage alive for the next generation.

Different regions, diverse traditions, one vibrant Hindu American community. ❤️

How are you celebrating this festive season? Let us know in the comments.

If you are visiting a Durga Puja pandal this year, keep an eye out for a bride in a red-bordered sari standing beside Ga...
10/19/2026

If you are visiting a Durga Puja pandal this year, keep an eye out for a bride in a red-bordered sari standing beside Ganesha. 👀

Look a little closer, and you might be surprised to discover that she isn’t a bride at all. She’s a banana tree!

Kola Bou, the Banana Bride, one of Bengal’s most intriguing Durga Puja traditions.

But why dress a banana tree as a bride? What does she represent? And what connects her to the worship of Shakti?

The answers reveal a beautiful story of Nabapatrika, the sacred power of Shakti, and the profound connection between nature and the divine.

Discover the story behind this fascinating tradition in HAF’s blog 👉

Growing up as an Indian girl from Bihar, whose father’s job had us hopscotching across India, I often felt like a cultural sponge—soaking in accents, festivals, food, and customs from every stop. But one moment, in particular, from when I was thirteen, stands out vividly.

Every family deserves to feel safe walking into a place of worship. Every community deserves to practice its faith witho...
10/19/2026

Every family deserves to feel safe walking into a place of worship. Every community deserves to practice its faith without fear.

The attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, is a sobering reminder that anti-Indian hate and white supremacist extremism have real-world consequences.

In a new opinion piece, HAF Executive Director Suhag A. Shukla examines why thwarting an attack is not enough. We must also confront the hatred that threatens our communities and stand firm in protecting every person’s right to worship freely.

Read her piece and join us in refusing to look away 👉

For those of us who warned that unchecked anti-Indian and anti-Hindu rhetoric would turn deadly, one of our worst nightmares nearly came true.

10/18/2026

When Indian Americans are accused of not assimilating enough simply for gathering to watch a football game, it exposes a deeper problem: racism that rejects us regardless of our faith, identity, or how we live.

In this clip of HAF Reacts, we discuss the growing anti-Indian rhetoric, the role of leaders who amplify it, and a critical question: Are we demanding enough from our elected officials to confront hate?

Watch the full episode to hear the conversation 👉 https://youtu.be/BuV2d5mF4RE

10/18/2026

When Indian Americans are accused of not assimilating enough simply for gathering to watch a football game, it exposes a deeper problem: racism that rejects us regardless of our faith, identity, or how we live.

In this clip of HAF Reacts, we discuss the growing anti-Indian rhetoric, the role of leaders who amplify it, and a critical question: Are we demanding enough from our elected officials to confront hate?

Watch the full episode to hear the conversation 👉 LINK IN BIO

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