October 2nd is the International Day of Non-Violence, the birthday of Mohandas Gandhi. This day is referred to in India as Gandhi Jayanti. Hindu Americans commemorate October 2nd in "an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of ahimsa non-violence, including through education and public awareness."
Hindu Americans across the country are observing the day with prayers and community service
Press Release: October 2nd, 2010
9/11 day of Service and Remembrance
In 2009, President Barack Obama amended the Patriot Day proclamation to make September 11th a nationally recognized day of service and remembrance.
In the proclamation he wrote: "As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow citizens, and all who died, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the aftermath of the attacks… I call upon all Americans to join in service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad…"
Originated by the family members of those who lost loved ones on 9/11 (including those of Hindu/Dharmic/Indian origins), the National Day of Service and Remembrance is an opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.
In honor of the 9/11 day of service, people in towns and cities across the country are planning acts of service – large and small – to strengthen their communities and build stronger bonds with the issues and people they care about.Many temples/ashrams/spiritual centers plan to continue the YogaSeva (launched on August 29, 2010 as Yogathon) through the month of September. Ashtanga Yoga's first yogic value is ahimsa (non-violence). Hindu places of worship will invoke that value through prayers and service.
Based on the lunar calendar (9/11/2010) is one of our holy days. The Hindu Americans across the world observe Ganesh Chathurthi, the day of remembrance through prayer of the birth of Ganesha, symbolizing removal of obstacles. It is a day to take fresh spiritual resolve and pray for inner spiritual strength to attain success in all undertakings. (From a yoga perspective, Ganapati - leader of senses - is the deity of the 1st chakra - muladhara chakra. Obstacle removal starts with inner control).
We will also remember the other 9/11. Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha movement started on September 11. 1906; the launch of the Modern Non-Violent Resistance Movement which influenced America's Civil Right's Movement.And, on September 1893, Swami Vivekananda, the first Hindu Swami to come to America, gave his welcome address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. "Brothers and Sisters of America. It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. YouTube
You can all support Hindu American Seva Charities (through Hindu Collective Initiative) http://911dayofservice.org.
Hindu American Seva Charities promoted the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2010 and asked community to pray for peace, observe silence and participate in whatever way they could.