Chinmaya Mission DFW
Shlokathon
Shlokathon is a multi-year chanting Yagna for our Bala Vihar children — a joyful, self-paced journey through the sacred verses of our tradition. Like a marathon, each child goes as far as they are able, at their own pace: younger children often move quickly, while others complete the full program by twelfth grade. Every shlokam learned is a step along the way.
What children learn
The program is built around shlokams — verses sung in praise of the deities. Children learn two to three shlokas for each deity, along with select verses from the Bhagavad Gita and five Vedic Suktams. The Sanskrit verses are also provided with English transliteration, so children can chant beautifully without needing to read the Devanagari script. Along the way they learn to pronounce each sound correctly, with the right emphasis and breath modulation.
How it works
Shlokathon is self-paced, with periodic testing — usually once a month — where children recite what they have memorized. Each completed section earns a reward, and the journey builds toward a trophy:
A plaque holds the growing collection of stickers, often hung proudly in the child’s room at home.
A magnificent trophy crowns the end of the journey when all sections have been completed, awarded at a major mission event such as the annual banquet.
Learning the material
Children can learn at home or attend the complimentary weekly class led by our volunteer teachers, who help with reading and pronunciation. The full text is available as a printed book, and audio recordings are on our website — browse the Audio Library and open the Slokathon collection.
How parents can help
Parental help with reading at home is welcome, though not required for children attending the weekly class. As in any marathon, a parent’s encouragement — cheering each milestone and gentle reminders to practice — makes all the difference.
Showcasing their progress
Children have many opportunities to share their learning on stage: during the weekly assembly, at the annual banquet, and at the various festival pujas held through the year at our Saaket and Chitrakoot temples.