Registration for the Fall 2026 session of Chinmaya Mission New York Downtown Bala Vihar in Chelsea is now open!   Bala Vihar offers weekly Hindu spiritual and cultural classes rooted in Sanātana Dharma for the entire family — from toddlers (age 2) through high schoolers — along with Parent Satsang with our resident Vedanta teacher.   🗓 Saturdays | 4:00 PM – 5:45 PM📍 Chelsea, Manhattan✨ Classes begin September 2026   Through bhajans, stories, interactive discussions, and festival celebrations, students gain a deeper connection to Hindu culture, values, and spirituality in a fun and engaging environment.   Students develop:•⁠  ⁠Confidence & leadership•⁠  ⁠Empathy & teamwork•⁠  ⁠Connection to Hindu culture & values•⁠  ⁠Spiritual understanding rooted in Indian traditions   Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration!   For more information please fill out this inquiry form by clicking the green Sign Up button or email us at downtown.registrations@chinmayanewyork.org.

Shishu Vihars are a safe and nurturing space for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers to start their Bala Vihar journey. It is a parent & me class.   The goal of the curriculum is to promote: - Strong bonds between parent and child through active engagement in class - Familiarity with the God and Goddess forms in Hindu Culture - Propagation of the common childhood stories for the Gods and Goddesses - Cultural learning through songs (styled after familiar rhymes) and arts and crafts  

Shishu Vihar is a safe and nurturing space for preschoolers to start their Bala Vihar journey. This is a parent & me class.   The goal of the curriculum is to promote: - Strong bonds between parent and child through active engagement in class - Familiarity with the God and Goddess forms in Hindu culture - Propagation of the common childhood stories for the Gods and Goddesses - Cultural learning through songs (styled after familiar rhymes) and arts and crafts

Shishu Vihar is a safe and nurturing space for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to begin their Bala Vihar journey. This is a parent-and-child class, designed to foster connection, shared learning, and joyful exploration. The curriculum offers: A gentle and joyful introduction to the Gods and Goddesses in the Hindu tradition Beloved Hindu childhood stories shared in a playful and engaging way Cultural learning through songs (inspired by familiar rhymes), hymns and chants, along with arts and crafts and fun games Children (with their parents) will begin to build a joyful connection to Hindu culture, stories, and values in a warm, nurturing environment.

ABC Safari is aimed at children in Kindergarten.   The goal of the curriculum is to teach children: Simple values and discipline through the English alphabet The fun of living by these values and discipline The Chinmaya Mission Pledge and the meaning, message, and values it imparts

Bala Ramayana is aimed at children in Grade K and Grade 1. Children learn the story of the Ramayana and develop an understanding of the values that Śri Rama lived by. Coloring and drawing scenes, and following the trails of Śri Rama's journey with events and stories, inspire and inculcate the imagination.

 The goal of Bala Ramayana is to: Narrate the story of Rama as told by Tulsidas Inspire the children to be like Rama

Bala Bhagavatam is aimed at children in Grades 2 and 3.  Through the stories of different avatars of Lord Śri Viṣṇu, children learn to own up their own actions, learn to ask for only what they need, and not secessarily what they desire.

ABC Safari is a joyful and engaging introduction for young children to begin exploring values along with early self-discipline through the Bala Vihar journey. The curriculum offers: A playful introduction to simple values, virtues, and positive habits through the Bala Vihar Alphabet Opportunities to experience the joy of living these values in everyday life Familiarity with the Chinmaya Mission Pledge, along with its meaning, message, and values This is a combined Kindergarten and 1st Grade class. The full curriculum—ABC Safari and Bala Rāmāyaṇa—is covered over two DTBV academic years. Children begin to build a foundation of values, positive habits, and cultural understanding in a supportive and engaging environment.

The goal of Sri Hanuman The Super Superman is to: Impart and instill the faith that Sri Hanuman will protect them and dispel their fears Inspire them to adopt the virtuous qualities that made Hanuman Ji great Teach them to chant the Dhyana Sloka and the Hanuman Chalisa Explain the meaning of the Dhyana Sloka and the Hanuman Chalisa

The goal of Bala Bhagavatam is to: Learn about Lord Vishnu and his avatars Narrate the story of each of the Dasavataras   Encourage, through the stories of Lord Vishnu, for children to own up to their own actions and ask for only what they need, and not necessarily what they desire.

Super Hanumān is a joyful and inspiring curriculum for 2nd and 3rd Grade students, introducing them to the strength, devotion, and courage of Śrī Hanumān. The curriculum offers: Stories of Śrī Hanumān that build faith, courage, and a sense of protection Inspiration to reflect on and embody the virtuous qualities that make Hanumān great Opportunities to learn and chant the Dhyāna Śloka and the Hanumān Cālīsā An introduction to the meaning and significance of these prayers This is a combined 2nd and 3rd Grade class. The full curriculum—Super Hanumān and Bala Bhāgavatam—is covered over two DTBV academic years. Children begin to build faith, confidence, and an appreciation for devotion and values in a supportive and engaging environment.

Krishna Krishna/My Twenty Four Teachers are aimed at children in Grades 4.  The goal of My Twenty-Four Teachers is to teach that: Who we are and what we know is because of our teachers and that we are indebted to them We learn only when our attitude is proper; attitude makes us a good disciple Anyone or anything can be our teacher, if we have humility and the right attitude to recognize them, and Nature is one of our greatest teachers

Bala Vihar students will be learning the curriculum of both classes throughout the year.   The goal of Krsna, Krsna Everywhere is to: Inspire children to be virtuous and happy through Krsna’s stories Inspire children to introspect Recite Krsna stories from his birth to his role in the Mahabharata   The goal of My Twenty-Four Teachers is to teach that: Who we are and what we know is because of our teachers and that we are indebted to them We learn only when our attitude is proper; attitude makes us a good disciple Anyone or anything can be our teacher, if we have humility and the right attitude to recognize them Nature is one of our greatest teachers

The goal of Symbolism in Hinduism class teaching is to: Explain the ideal that idols represent Explain symbolism of the Hindu deities: Ganesha, Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddesses, Sri Krsna, and Sri Rama Explain the significance of traditional religious festivals attributed to the above deities and celebrate them

Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Everywhere / My Twenty-Four Teachers is an engaging and reflective curriculum for 4th and 5th Grade students, helping them deepen their understanding of values, learning, and the role of a teacher in their lives. The curriculum offers: Inspiring stories of Śrī Kṛṣṇa—from his birth through his role in the Mahābhārata—that encourage virtuous living and inner reflection Opportunities for introspection through the lessons and examples found in Kṛṣṇa’s life An introduction to the idea that who we are and what we know is shaped by our teachers, along with the gratitude we owe them Exploration of the teaching of the 24 teachers, as shared by the sage Dattatreya, showing that anyone or anything can be a teacher when approached with humility and the right attitude Reflection on nature as one of our greatest teachers This is a combined 4th and 5th Grade class. The full curriculum—Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Everywhere / My Twenty-Four Teachers and Symbolism in Hinduism—is covered over two DTBV academic years. Students begin to develop a deeper appreciation for learning, cultivate humility, and recognize the importance of right attitude in becoming true seekers.

The curriculum for India, The Sacred Land imparts: The knowledge of why India is the Sacred Land, and what India stands for Reverence for Mother India, and her glorious heritage An understanding of the goal of life revealed in scriptures and lived by our saints Clarity that by “Walking the Footsteps of the Saints,” the goal of life can be achieved

Key to Success is a thoughtful and engaging curriculum that helps students begin to understand themselves and the role of the mind and intellect in living a meaningful and successful life. The curriculum offers: An introduction to self-knowledge as the foundation for success An understanding that the knowledge we gain depends on the refinement of the mind and intellect Opportunities to explore ways to quiet and steady the mind and intellect Guidance on living by noble values in daily life Chanting and reflection on the Vibhīṣaṇa Gītā, including the symbolism of the Dharma Chariot as a guide for right thinking and inner strength This is a combined Grades 6, 7, and 8 class. The full curriculum—India, My Sacred Land, Key to Success, and Mahābhārata—is covered over three DTBV academic years. Students begin to reflect more deeply on their thoughts and actions, developing clarity, discernment, and a stronger alignment with their values.

The goal of the Key to Success curriculum is to teach: Self-Knowledge is the Key to Success The Knowledge we gain depends upon the caliber of our instrument – mind and intellect The importance of quietening our mind and intellect to sharpen our instrument The way to quieten our mind and intellect, and live by the noble values The way to ride the Dharma Chariot, to succeed, and be happy in life

The Mahabharata as a Prelude to The Bhagavad Gita is aimed at children in Grade 8.   The goal of the curriculum is to: Learn the epic story of the Mahabharata Discuss the complex moral predicaments presented through the story and how they pertain to our lives Introduce the key learnings of the Mahabharata as narrated in the Bhagavad Gita

The Gita, Seva and Leadership program is aimed at children in 9th - 12th grade. The program for High School students is comprised of 4 components: Class will cover an understanding of the teachings of the Gita and discussions on how to practice the learnings. Seva projects that are conceived, planned, and executed by the students (projects will be worked on during class time). Bala Vihar Leadership opportunities through teaching the younger classes: 9th - 10th graders will have 2- 3 opportunities during the Bala Vihar year and these will occur during class time. Gatherings with Shubani ji to discuss and reflect on the concepts from class, seva projects and classroom teaching.   Please note: For 9th - 10th graders, Gita class and teaching days are mandatory; seva and gatherings are optional and based on interest and availability. 11th - 12th graders will have the opportunity to choose if they would like to be a TA for the year (which will be assigned to them) OR attend Gita class.

Gītā, Sevā, and Leadership is a reflective and application-based program for high school students, guiding them to understand and live the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in a meaningful and relevant way. The curriculum offers: A structured exploration of the key teachings from all chapters of the Gītā, presented in a clear and methodical way Opportunities to understand the logical flow of the Gītā’s message through tools such as flowcharts and guided frameworks Sevā and leadership opportunities that encourage responsibility, initiative, and service This is a combined Grades 9 through 12 class. The full curriculum of the Gītā is covered over four DTBV academic years. Students begin to develop clarity in thinking, a sense of purpose, and the ability to apply timeless teachings to modern life.

The Ramayana is a timeless epic filled with dharma, devotion and wisdom. In this course, the students will explore the story of the Ramayana, the deeper symbolism of each character and life-changing lessons that they can apply here and now.

The main theme, as the title Yato Dharmaḥ, Tato Jayaḥ suggests, is to teach children that where there is Dharmaḥ, there is victory in life; one must follow Dharmaḥ. The text dives deep into teaching what is Dharmaḥ, how to live by Dharmaḥ, along with the story of Mahābhāratam and a comparative analysis of the main characters and their Dharmaḥ in the epic.

The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless masterpiece which is still very applicable in today's world. Through this course, the students will explore the different chapters of the Bhagavad Gita and how to apply them in daily life. Topics in this course include: facing challenges, discovering our real selves, the essence of karma yoga, understanding the goal of life, being our best selves etc. 

The TA program is aimed at eligible children in the 12th grade. TA’s will: - Co-teach a class with another teacher - Need to keep a minimum of 70% attendance in the Bala Vihar year - Engage children in the curriculum  - Share stories and experiences that will resonate with the students - Assist the classroom teacher in any activities or curriculum development

CMNY is organizing a Hanuman Chalisa Havan on the occasion of the inauguration of our much awaited new center Upavan and the Vanavasi Ram Temple. We are also celebrating 75 years of the Chinmaya Mission movement.    📆  Saturday, April 25, 2026🕰️  8:30 am – 12:30 pm 🛕 Chinmaya Upavan129 Woodbury Road,Woodbury,  NY 11797   Havan will be followed by lunch prasad.   Dress Code: Ethic Indian Attire

Chinmaya Mission New York cordially invites you and your family to the inauguration of our new home, Chinmaya Upavan. Please join us for this special celebration with Pujya Swami Swaroopananda and all the dedicated sevaks who have made this dream a reality.   📆  Sunday, July 26, 2026🕰️  9:00 AM onwards 🛕 Chinmaya Upavan129 Woodbury Road,Woodbury,  NY 11797   Inauguration ceremony will be followed by lunch prasad.   Dress Code: Ethic Indian Attire   The word "Upavan" signifies a path to the Divine. "Vana" refers to the Supreme Self or Brahman, "upa" means near. Together, Upavan represents that which brings you closer to your true Self.   Through scriptural study and reflection, Upavan will be an abode of jñāna yoga. Through chanting, devotional hymns and pūjās, it will be an abode of bhakti yoga. Through the selfless service of our entire community, it will be an abode of karma yoga.  When the three yogas come together in any being, they are the closest to their true selves.   We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and walking closer to our true selves.