Balavihar

Bala Vihar — Chinmaya Mission’s “Spiritual Garden for Children,” founded by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda — is a value-based program that blends academic and moral learning. At CMDFW it runs across three centers, supported by 200+ trained teacher volunteers (sevaks), many of them Bala Vihar graduates themselves, including our resident Brahmachari Hari Chaitanyaji.

Sessions run on Sundays and Fridays, August through May, 90 minutes each: a 30-minute assembly of prayers, Geeta chanting, bhajans, and stage presentations, then an hour of grade-level class. While the children are in class, parents join a Satsanga with the presiding Swamin or Brahmacharin.

Curriculum by school level

Age-appropriate teachings, from preschool through young adulthood.

Beyond the classroom

Enrollment opens the door to retreats, lock-ins, and hangouts with the Brahmacharins, where students from across CMDFW meet for games, creative activities, and discussion. Children can also join Language & Culture Classes — music, dance, and language — held alongside each session.

What your child gains

• Roots & values — knowledge of Sanatana Dharma and scripture, and virtues like truthfulness, compassion, and self-discipline.
• Cultural identity — appreciation for our traditions, festivals, and the meaning behind our rituals.
• Confidence on stage — every child prepares and presents a bhajan by grade level, building public-speaking and teamwork skills.
• The arts — music, dance, and a yearly Geeta chapter for chanting, with friendly events like the Geeta Chanting Competition and Shlokathon.
• Seva & service — giving back through projects like the Diwali Food Drive and serving the community.
• Lifelong friendships — a supportive network of peers that carries into college and beyond, across Chinmaya Mission’s worldwide centers.

Bala Vihar syllabus