New York | 27 Aug 2026
The Hindu American Foundation has issued a security advisory ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s 29 August appearance in New York, urging attendees to remain vigilant and calling on Mayor Zohran Mamdani to protect their safety and civil rights after he publicly opposed the event.
HAF Security Alert Urges Vigilance and Restraint
The Hindu American Foundation said it issued the community advisory before the Universal Oneness Celebration at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. Bhagwat is scheduled to address the gathering on Saturday.
“Stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil.”
— Hindu American Foundation
HAF advised attendees to respect the rights of others to assemble, protest and express their views. It asked people to report suspicious activity to security personnel or law enforcement, leave the area if they felt threatened and avoid confrontations with anyone making provocative or threatening statements.
The organisation alleged that activists targeting Hindu Americans had attempted to disrupt or cancel the celebration. Its public advisory did not identify a specific imminent threat.
HAF also urged Mamdani to uphold his responsibility to protect all New Yorkers, including those attending the programme, and guarantee their safety and civil rights.
Mamdani Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s New York Event
Mamdani said he did not support the gathering but acknowledged that New York City might not have the authority to prevent a private event from proceeding.
“I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event.”
— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City
The mayor said his understanding of India was rooted in a pluralistic and secular republic where every person belonged. He expressed concern about what he described as the rise of an exclusionary political vision.
No cancellation of the event had been announced as of 27 August, and the programme remained scheduled for 29 August.
Protests Planned Outside Madison Square Garden
Hindus for Human Rights and other organisations opposing Bhagwat’s participation have announced demonstrations outside Madison Square Garden on the day of the event. The Indian American Muslim Council and the Interfaith Center of New York are among the groups that have criticised the planned appearance.
American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, the event’s organiser, describes the Universal Oneness Celebration as a gathering promoting shared heritage, interfaith engagement and unity among Hindu Americans and other communities.
The RSS has said the programme will involve a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith audience. The organisation rejects allegations that it promotes intolerance and describes itself as a Hindu-centred cultural and civilisational movement.
US Panel Adds Pressure During Bhagwat’s Visit
The controversy has intensified during Bhagwat’s US visit after the US Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials it accused of involvement in religious-freedom violations. The commission also called for Bhagwat’s US visa to be revoked.
USCIRF is a bipartisan government body, but its policy recommendations are not binding. The United States government had not announced sanctions in response to the latest recommendation.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has rejected USCIRF’s assertions, describing the commission as biased and lacking credibility. The Indian government denies discriminating against religious minorities and maintains that its welfare policies benefit citizens across communities.
