Bala Vihar is a weekly gathering of children (Preschool to Grade 12/Ages 0 to Ages 18) under the supervision of trained teachers. The aim of Bala Vihar is to help children bloom, grow, and inculcate values through fun-filled activities. Bala Vihar enhances the overall development of the personality of a child at all levels – physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.
Registration Instructions | Pledge Details
Registration for 2025-26 opens on Monday, April 14, 2025
2025-26 Bala Vihar Session Information
Friday in-person session: starts September 5th at 6:40 PM
Sunday morning in-person session: starts September 7th at 9:10 AM
Sunday afternoon in-person session: starts September 7th at 12:10 PM
Children are a major focus at Chinmaya Somnath. Bala Vihar’s goal is to “wake up the sleeping giant” in our children and inspire them to reach their maximum potential by imparting a value-based education through a specially designed age-appropriate curriculum.
The Bala Vihar program offers weekly spiritual classes for children in their formative school years (Pre K to 12).
A complimentary Shishu Vihar program for children ages 0 to 3 years and an Amruta Vihar program for differently abled children ages pre-K to 12th grade are offered.
The classes are organized by age groups, start and end with Sanskrit prayers, and include chanting, bhajans, stories of devotion and morals, interactive discussions, and creative games.
The sessions are of approximately 90 minutes duration including the common assembly time, and are based on specially designed curriculum.
The idea is to provide an environment where the personality of the child blossoms in a spontaneous way. Good conduct, emotional refinement, intellectual finesse, social responsibility, and a spiritual awareness are developed by the teachers through story-telling from the Puranas and other scriptures, singing of bhajans, chanting of stotrams, games, arts and crafts, plays, and other fun-filled activities. The children are encouraged to be responsible, alert, and sensitive members of society.
Swami Chinmayananda believed that just as the strength of a wall depended on the quality of each brick, so too, the health of a society depended on the individuals. If the individuals are healthy, society is healthy. His strategy for building a new society was to “catch ’em young,” and that is what we are trying to accomplish at Chinmaya Somnath.
Chinmaya Somnath also offers additional classes and activities besides the regular Bala Vihar classes to help the children blossom and develop their multi-faceted talents.
The senior Bala vihar classes provide a forum for youth where they are provided an opportunity to discuss, debate, and understand the logic of our religion and its tenets and to become aware of their potential. After having gained this awareness, their potential is directed into creative channels. The high school students are encouraged to volunteer in the community and participate in social service activities. Additionally, different career choices are discussed along with what it takes to be a professional in those disciplines. The aim of these classes is to prepare today’s youth to be responsible and successful adults of tomorrow.
The annual session runs from September to June, parallel to the regular school calendar.
Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit. The seed of spiritual values should be sown in young hearts, and the conditions made favorable for sprouting and steady growth through proper control and discipline. It must be cared for with the warmth of love and affection, and such a tree shall blossom forth flowers of brotherhood, universal love, peace, bliss, beauty, and perfection.
Swami Chinmayananda
All Bala Vihar children participate in various activities. Your child’s Bala Vihar class
assignment is aligned with his/her school grade.
SHISHU VIHAR
Ages less than 3 years
Shishu Vihar is a wonderful bonding time for the parents and their toddlers. The curriculum focuses on an early introduction to spiritual education through shlokas, activities, bhajans and art/craft.
AMRUTA VIHAR
Special Education
Chinmaya Somnath’s Amruta Vihar is a special program tailored for children, who are differently abled, to come together for social interaction, spiritual growth and learning. The children are introduced to stories from our Puranas, taught how to chant shlokas and sing bhajans, along with art and craft activities, yoga, breathing exercises and group discussions.
ATI-MADHURAM
Pre-K (Ages 3-4)
Children learn about Hindu Deities such as Ganesha, Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Devis through stories, shlokas, activities, bhajans, celebrations and much more.
MADHURAM
(4-5 year olds)
Text: The Chinmaya Mission Pledge and Divine Values
During the first half of the Bala Vihar year children will learn to recite the Chinmaya Mission Pledge in both English and Sanskrit, examine its each line as a commitment we make as individuals and as a community.
In the second half of the year, children will learn, through stories, games and activities, about the values we want to imbibe and ideals we worship when we pray to different Deities.
SATYAM
Grades 1 & 2
Text: Bala Ramayana
Bala Ramayana offers timeless lessons that can deeply influence our daily lives. Through the epic journey of Lord Rama, children are introduced to
– The core values such as courage, loyalty, compassion, and justice.
– respect for parents and elders, the strength of friendship, the dangers of greed, and the importance of bravery.
– fostering a deep reverence for life, a sense of moral clarity, and an awakened spiritual consciousness
These profound lessons include stories and activities, allowing young minds to absorb the essence naturally.
SHIVAM
Grades 3 & 4
Text: Bala Bhagavatam
The Bala Bhagavatam curriculum
– introduces children to the stories of Lord Vishnu and his various avatars such as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, and Narasimha from the first nine cantos of the Bhagavatam.
– focuses on their importance and the lessons they teach.
– aims to build devotion, reinforce Hindu values, and highlight the impact of our actions.
– introduces nine modes of Bhakti (devotion) and the story of Dhruva, which teaches the importance of resolve / firmness.
The curriculum is covered through fun activities and engaging stories for children to discover the moral teachings of the Bhagavatam.
SUNDARAM
Grades 5 & 6
Text: India, the Sacred Land
The goal of this curriculum is
-To inspire a healthy reverence and understanding of why India is referred to as a sacred land,
-To give an introduction to her glorious heritage, such as temples, dances, music, spices, food, clothing etc.
-To give an understanding of the goal of human life as revealed by our Scriptures and lived by our saints.
-To gain clarity through the lives and spiritual journeys of selected saints of India and Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.
SHIVANANDAM
Grades 7 & 8
Text: P.O.Box Mr.God & Key to Success (Vibhishana Geeta)
The goal of P.O. Box Mr. God is to:
– Invite children to find the Omnipresent God and His address.
– learn that each one of us is His address and we can find Him within us, if we learn to live a life of noble virtues.
The goal of Key to Success curriculum is to teach:
– Self-Knowledge is the Key to Success
– 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
TAPOVANAM
Grades 9 & 10
Texts: Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah (Mahabharata)
The main theme of the curriculum Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah is
– Where there’s Dharma, there’s Victory. Victory is achieved by avoiding sins and performing right actions (Dharma).
– Lessons from the Mahabharata serve as a foundation for teaching the concepts of Karma and Dharma.
– What is the goal of life and how we are the architect of our own future is explained through the Law of Karma
– Morals are taught through questions/answers of Yaksha Prasna. The practical application of dharmic concepts to one’s own life are discussed in every lesson.
CHINMAYAM
Grades 11 & 12
Text: Bhagavad Geeta Chapters 10-18
The Bhagavad Geeta 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. For example,
– facing challenges and building our life
– discovering our real selves
– the essence of karma yoga,
– understanding the goal of life
Chinmaya Somnath 2024-25 Calendar
Friday PM Session – 6:40 pm – 8:20 pm
| Timings | Classes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 6:40 pm – 7:15 pm | Assembly in Auditorium (Parents & Children participate) -35 min assembly | In-person |
| 7:20 pm | Adult and BV classes start | In-person |
| 8:20 pm | Adult and BV classes end and dispersal. | In-person |
| 6:50 pm – 7:30 pm | Shishu Vihar Class | In-person |
Sunday AM Session – 9:10 am – 10:50 am
| Timings | Classes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 9:10 am – 9:45 am | Assembly in Auditorium (Parents & Children participate) -35 min assembly | In-person |
| 9:50 am | Adult and BV classes start | In-Person |
| 10:50 am | Adult and BV classes end and dispersal. | In-person |
| 10.00 am – 10:30 am | Amruta Vihar | In-person |
| 9:50 am – 10:30 am | Shishu Vihar Class | In-person |
| 11:00 am | Shloka, Yoga, and other enrichment classes start (except Language) | In-person |
| 12:00 pm | Shloka, Yoga, and other enrichment classes end, and dispersal | In-person |
Sunday PM Session – 12:10 pm – 1:50 pm
| Timings | Class | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 12:10 pm – 12:45 pm | Assembly in Auditorium (Parents & Children participate) -35 min assembly | In-person |
| 12:50 pm | Adult and BV classes start | In-person |
| 1:50 pm | Adult and BV classes end and dispersal. | In-person |
| 12:50 pm – 1:30 pm | Shishu Vihar Class | In-person |
Enrichment Classes
| Day | Timings | Class | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm | Telugu Class | Online |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Shloka Class | In-person |
| Sunday | 3:10 pm – 4:10 pm | Shloka Class | Online |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 11:50 pm | Art Class | In-person |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 11:50 pm | Performing Arts(Bharatanatyam) Class | In-person |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Yoga(For all ages) | In-person |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sanskritam class | In-person |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Youth Leadership Program(YLP) (90 min class) | In-Person Meet (2nd and 4th Sundays) |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Hindi Class | In-person |
| Sunday | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Tamil Class | Online |
| Tuesday | 7:00 pm – 7:55 pm | Gujarati Level I Class | Online |
| Tuesday | 7:00 pm – 7:55 pm 8:00 pm – 8:55 pm | Gujarati Level II Class | Online |
Important Notes For Parents!
The dress code for Bala Vihar is provided on the “Rules of Conduct” Tab. Parents are encouraged to follow the dress code and set an example for children. In winter, children are urged to wear sweaters and socks to class.
Both parents (if not, at least one parent) must attend the Vedanta Class while the Bala Vihar classes for children are in session. An attendance will be taken during the Vedanta class.
Chinmaya Mission will use e-mail to convey information about schedule changes, weekly newsletter, other programs, or snow dates. Please login to registration system and update the information. If you have any difficulty updating the details, please submit the details via Contact Us page.
Please notify the teacher(s) before class if your child is going to be absent. In the event of sudden illness or emergency, please notify the teacher(s) as soon as possible. The telephone numbers and email addresses of teachers provided may be used for this purpose.
Please ensure that children come to class prepared with their Bala Vihar notebook, My Prayers book, and other books in their syllabus, pencil, and crayons (for younger children) or colored pens.
All children should be well rested and have a nourishing meal before attending Bala Vihar. This fosters better learning.
Once or twice a year Bala Vihar teachers will hold a parent/teacher conference. The teachers will update parents on class progress and the topics covered. The purpose of the parent/teacher conference is to facilitate ongoing parental involvement with the child’s learning.
During Mission programs other than Bala Vihar (monthly Bhajan nights, etc.), parents are responsible for their children’s behavior. Please teach children to respect the sanctity of the facility by maintaining silence during these programs, not running in the building, dropping trash in trash cans, putting books and games away, etc.
Please bring your children to Bala Vihar classes regularly and on time. To maximize learning and to respect the significant effort teachers put in to prepare for class, please ensure that children attend class regularly and that absences are few and far between, and only due to unavoidable reasons such as illness or other emergencies.
To facilitate effective learning, parents are NOT permitted in class unless pre-arranged with the Teacher and the Bala Vihar Coordinator/Director.
The Bala Vihar Coordinator/Director may routinely attend Bala Vihar classes to evaluate the curriculum and for teacher training.
Feel free to discuss your child’s progress or needs, or any concerns or questions you may have, with the Bala Vihar teacher(s) or Coordinator. We encourage and value parental involvement and input.
At home, please help children practice and memorize assembly prayers they are learning in class.
Each classroom needs at least two parent volunteers to help organize occasional field trips, socials, and other special activities. Please contact the classroom teacher if you would like to volunteer.
2025-2026 Bala Vihar Book List
| Bala Vihar Class | Curriculum | Children’s book list |
|---|---|---|
| Shishu Vihar | Shishu Vihar Bhajans & Rhymes | |
| Amruta Vihar (Special Education) | Introduction to stories from our Puranas How to chant shlokas and sing bhajans Art and craft activities Yoga, breathing exercises | |
| Ati-Madhuram (3-4 year) | Shishu Vihar Bhajans & Rhymes | |
| Madhuram (4-5 year & KG) | The Chinmaya Mission Pledge and Divine Values | Madhuram Workbook |
| Satyam (Gr1, 2) | Bala Ramayana | Bala Ramayana workbook Bala Ramayana book(optional) |
| Shivam (Gr3, 4) | Bala Bhagavatam | Bala Bhagavatam workbook Bala Bhagavatam book(optional) |
| Sundaram (Gr5,6) | Sacred India | India, The sacred land workbook Saints of India for Children-(optional) |
| Shivanandam ( Gr7,8) | P.O.Box Mr.God & Key to Success | Key to Success workbook Vibhishana Gita book |
| Tapovanam (Gr9,10) | Yato Dharma Tato Jaya | Online link will be provided by the teachers |
| Chinmayam (Gr11,12) | Bhagavad Geeta Chapters 10-18 | Holy Geeta book Geeta for Yuva |
Suggested Book List for Additional Learning
| Bala Vihar Class | Optional Book List | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ati-Madhuram/Madhuram/Satyam | Krishna loves you Krishna (Butter bash, Invisible friend, Rocks, Photocopies) Go Hanuman Go Hanuman Big Gig Shiva Shiva Namah Shivaya – $8 Shiva’s Fish Swish Ganesha Goes to Party Ganesha Mouscapade Boogie woogie Ganesha | $8 $6 each $8 $8 $8 $8 $4 $7 $7 | |
| Shivam/ Sundaram | Tarangini Series Tell me a Story Color Series Bala Vihar Guru Devs tales Bala Ramayan Bala Bhagavatam Amar Chitra Katha of Swamiji | $6 $6 $3 $6 $6 $2 | |
| Shivanandam | Conflicts and Confusion Not too Loose, .. Tight, Just Right Victorious Youth | $2 $2 $2 | |
| Tapovanam | Storm to Perform Ageless guru Hindu culture an Introduction Transforming Indians to transform India Journey of a Master Hinduism Frequently asked questions | $5 $6 $8 $10 $10 $5 | |
| Chinmayam | Srimad Bhagavad Gita Say Cheese Self-Unfoldment We Must Gita for Children | $5 $4 $10 $12 $3 |
We expect all children and parents to follow the rules of conduct!
Everyone must follow the directions set by sevaks for entering, exiting, and transitioning to other classes.
Arrive early and settle down in your class. This will allow everyone to enter the facility and be prompt for your class.
The Bala Vihar classes start promptly at the scheduled time. Children are requested to be punctual; they should be seated and ready for Hanuman Chalisa followed by Arati.
Dress code for Bala Vihar Children:
Boys – Kurta Pajama or full pants with kurta. No hats, jeans, or shorts.
Girls – Salwar Kameez or long skirt with a blouse. Wear a bindi.
Children or Youth who are attending some other activity after Bala Vihar may bring a change of clothes with them.
Respect for self is respect for others. Children should be attentive and respectful in class, and raise their hands and wait their turn before speaking.
Children should come to class prepared, and with their own material such as pen, Bala Vihar notebook, textbooks, pencil, and a box of crayons or colored pens (for younger children).
Children are expected to exhibit good manners and maintain discipline at all times. Running in the building, or disturbing any of the books or materials in the classroom is not permitted.
Chewing gum, drinks, or food should not be consumed in the classrooms.
We promote best safety practices to ensure the safety of our Bala Vihar children. In ensuring the safety practice, we request all children to bring to the notice of their teacher or parent anything that concerns their safety.
Use of smart devices (mobile phones, tablets, etc.) is not permitted during any classes. If the child(ren) is found using any of those devices, the teacher will take the smart device from the child(ren) and parents will have to collect it from the teacher.
Need further help? Click here to contact our Registration Team!
- For registration cancellations on or before October 1, a full refund of the pledge amount will be given. The Mission will not refund any credit card processing fee incurred by the registrant.
- A family canceling registration after October 1 will not be entitled to any refund of the pledges paid.
- Late registrants after October 1st will have 15 days from the registration date to request a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this period.
Some of the prayers chanted in the assembly and in the classroom are available at