Philadelphia Celebrates Rakhi: Brotherhood in the City of Brotherly Love

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Germantown Unitarian Society in Philadelphia became a space where faith, friendship, and justice intertwined. In the parking lot of this historic community hub, Hindus for Human Rights joined neighbors, families, and interfaith allies to celebrate Rakhi — the festival of love and protection known as Raksha Bandhan.

Rakhi has always carried layers of meaning: a thread tied around the wrist can symbolize family bonds, solidarity in struggle, or the promise of care across difference. In Philadelphia — the city of Brotherly Love — those meanings felt especially alive. From the joyous worship service to the laughter of children making crafts and tasting Indian snacks, Rakhi was not only celebrated, but re-imagined as a festival for all.

Stories of Rakhi

Attendees heard stories that placed Rakhi within a broader tradition of justice and care. Speakers reminded us of the ways Rakhi has been used throughout history — from Rabindranath Tagore’s call for unity during Bengal’s partition, to contemporary expressions of solidarity across caste, creed, and community. These stories reminded us that Rakhi is not a relic of the past but a living practice of inclusion.

The heart of the celebration came later in the service, around the one-hour mark, when the main sermon connected Rakhi to the values at the core of Hindus for Human Rights: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and nyaya (justice). The message was clear: progressive Hinduism means living these values in our neighborhoods, our interfaith work, and our solidarity with all who are marginalized. Rakhi, in this vision, becomes not just a ritual but a commitment to mutual care and collective liberation.

Music and Celebration

The service itself was beautifully framed by Carnatic music — weaving together devotion and artistry in a way that uplifted everyone present. Photos from the day capture smiling faces, colorful rakhis, and the spirit of connection that filled the space. After the service, the celebrations continued with crafts for children, shared snacks, and conversations among community members who may not otherwise have crossed paths.

In a time when forces of exclusion and division are gaining ground, events like this Rakhi celebration in Philadelphia are a reminder that Hinduism — like all faith traditions — can be a wellspring of inclusive values. Rakhi teaches us to tie bonds of protection not only with our families, but with all those who seek dignity and justice.

We invite you to watch the full service, listen to the music, and hear the powerful sermons for yourself: [Insert Video Link Here]. Whether you join for the entire celebration or focus on the key messages at 24 minutes and 1 hour, you will encounter a vision of Hinduism that is progressive, compassionate, and deeply committed to building a better world.