“Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit.” – Swami Chinmayananda

*See table below for 2023 – 24 registration links*

Bala Vihar classes provide spiritual and cultural orientation to children of the modern age. Swami Chinmayananda created the Bala Vihar system to enable parents to raise children with a reverence for Indian culture, to create self-confidence and inspire children to serve and act cheerfully. Bala Vihar provides children an atmosphere to grow with noble ideals and fulfil their potential.

Who conducts Bala Vihar classes?

Trained volunteers (sevaks) conduct interactive and fun value education classes drawing from timeless Indian Scripture (Mahabharata, Bhagavatam, Puranas and the Ramayana), Vedic philosophy and other facets of Hindu culture.

What is covered in Bala Vihar classes?

The stories, games, celebration of festivals and creative activities enable children to connect with Indian culture in an engaging way. The Sanskrit prayers, bhajans and chanting give them a solid grounding in Hindu culture and the eternal values presented in story form are drawn from the vast gamut of Indian Scripture.

Dedicated weekly 30 minute class on learning basics of Sanskrit language are conducted. For registration click here.
Dedicated weekly 30 minute class on learning how to chant, sing bhajans and shlokas are conducted. For registration click here.

Importance of Bala Vihar

Character-building begins in childhood, but given the fast pace of life, the absence of the ancient gurukula system and the decline of joint family-living, children of Indian heritage are rarely exposed to the beauty and greatness of Indian culture. Bala Vihar offers a modern day alternative in which loving sevaks and sevikas teach children what they ought to know in a fun way with the love of a parent, the doting of a grandparent and the discipline of a teacher.

Understanding Vedanta

Chinmaya Mission spreads the eternal and universal philosophy of life contained within the Bhagavad Geeta and the Upanishads, so children are introduced to Vedanta at Bala Vihar classes. In teaching the universal philosophy of Oneness (Advaita Vedanta), children are led to understand that while Hindu culture may appear to have many Gods, the Truth (God) is the one ultimate Reality, and thus it is one God appearing as many forms, as all things, as beings, and as the entire universe.

Become a Bala Vihar teacher

Sevaks/sevikas (teachers and administrators) learn the art of living in a loving, nurturing environment of discipline, where their personalities spontaneously blossom on physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual levels. Through absorbing the stories, games and songs, Sevaks and Sevikas are given the opportunity to grow themselves. If you are interested in becoming a Bala Vihar teacher, please email bv@chinmayauk.org.

Chinmaya Kids website

Check out this wonderful site that contains stories, interactive games, activities, bhajans, slokas and much more for children and parents: http://www.chinmayakids.org

Bala Vihar Magazine

Subscribe to a wonderful monthly magazine for children with the right mix of values, fun and humour.

e-Bala Vihar

e-Bala Vihar is a fun and interactive weekly program taking place virtually. This program is designed for all children and youth (Reception to Year 13); to benefit those without easy access to a physical Bala Vihar location i.e., those living 10 miles or more away from their nearest Chinmaya Mission. To know more click here.