Commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a large number of people attended the Dharma and Yoga fests in California to spread his message of universal peace.
Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress who took oath on the Bhagwad Gita, in her address focused on the teachings of Hinduism and how it helped her combat tough times.
The day long cultural events on September 14 were organised jointly by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Sunnyvale Hindu Temple and Fremont Hindu Temple with support from over 40 San Francisco Bay Area organisations.
The Dharma and Yoga Fest events were culmination events of HSS initiated year-long celebration of Swami Vivekananda which included Dharma Bee Competition for Children.
The Council General of India from the San Francisco Consulate emphasised the message of Swami Vivekananda respecting all cultures.
He admired the Hindu Community of Bay area coming together to celebrate this grand event.
Presentation of four of the 16 samskaras (rite of passage) of Hinduism was one of the major feature of the event. This included Athithi Devo Bhava — a code of conduct where guest is regarded as God.
The attendees were greeted in the Vedic manner and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — how the Hindus consider the whole world as a single family and Vivaah — Wedding per Vedic traditions sanctified by fire, was one of the unique features as the Singer M C Yogi renewed his wedding vows per Hindu tradition, a media release said.