BalVihar FAQs
- What is BalVihar?
Balvihar is a non-profit voluntary organization formed by parents/children of Indian Origin. The primary mission of Balvihar is to impart knowledge of Hindu religion and Indian culture to our children and make them aware of our proud heritage and culture. Balvihar is affiliated to Sri Chinmaya Mission.
- What are BalVihar’s activities?
Balvihar group meets once in two weeks at SacredHeartUniversity from 9:30-11:00am. Children are divided into different classes based on their age. Parent volunteers teach the children about Hindu religion and Indian culture. Classes begin with religious Bhajans, parents are also encouraged to participate. After the Bhajans, children go to their respective class based on their age. After the class, there will be Aarathi, Pledge and Prasad. Balvihar also celebrates/ participates in Indian festivals and cultural events. At the yearend we also organize a picnic for all parents and children. For teenage children we have a special youth group. Please contact Mousami Bhattacharya if you are interested in this.
- How to become a member?
Membership is open to all interested parents/children. The membership fee for a family with one child is $85 and is $115 for families with two or more children. The payment should be made after checking with Mahabala Salian.
- Where to get the My Prayer Book?
“My Prayers” book can be purchased from treasurer by paying $2.00.
- What is BalVihar schedule?
Balvihar classes are held from September to June. We take break during summer. At the beginning of the year, class schedule is distributed. Schedule is also available at Yahoo Groups website.
- Is there any age restriction for children?
In general we expect children who are in kindergarten and above to participate. If your child is younger than that he/she may not be able to sit in the class for one hour and follow the instructions.
- General guidelines for new members:
a)Please give your e-mail address to Mahabala Salian/ Sanjeev Kalra/Venkat Gade/Reddy Chinepalli(Yahoo Group Moderator) or to one of the teachers, so that you will receive all the relevant e-mails. You can have more than one email addresses in our mailing list. After your email address is added to the Yahoo Group Mailing list; the Bhajan List and Class Calendar will be emailed to you. An email reminder is sent a few days before each class.
b)All members are expected to volunteer and bring Prasad in one of the classes. There are generally 3-4 families who will be volunteering in a particular class. The volunteers are expected to come to the classrooms about half an hour before the beginning of the class. They will need to move any furniture in the classroom by the wall to make space for all children to sit on the floor for prayers. They will also need to setup the Deity Pictures and Aarathi. The volunteer families need to arrange among themselves to bring Prasad for the members. At the end of the class, please clean the room and place the furniture in its original position.
c)There is also a signup sheet for reading the pledge. If your child is interested, please add his/her name to the signup list.
d)A phone tree is in place to call members in case a class is cancelled due to inclement weather.
e)We are looking for volunteer parents who can teach children. If you are interested in teaching classes or leading Bhajans or organizing any special events on special occasions such as Deepavali, you are welcomed to do so. Please contact any of the teachers if you are interested.
- Group Site Information
All the information about the BalVihar is available on the Yahoo Group Site at The new members are encouraged to browse different features e.g. Bhajans file, Links to useful sites, Calendar of BalVihar classes, Monthly Newsletters etc.
- Communicating with the Group Members or Moderators
You can send messages to all the members of the group by using the group email address . Please do remember that any email sent at this address will be sent to ALL the members of the group. If you need to communicate with the Group Moderators only or have any suggestions/additions for the Group Site, use the following email address .
- Directions to the Sacred HeartUniversity
From Merritt Parkway (Rt. 15 N or S)
Take Exit 47. At end of the ramp turn left onto Park Avenue and proceed one block to SHU Entrance on Park Avenue.
Follow main road on campus, our classes are in the public safety facility.
From Connecticut Turnpike (I-95) North or South
Take Exit 27A. Continue straight ahead on combined Routes 8 and 25 to fork.
Bear left onto Route 25.
Take Exit 7, Merritt Parkway South to Exit 47.
At end of ramp turn left onto Park Avenue and proceed one block to SHU Entrance on Park Avenue.
Follow main road on campus, our classes are in the Public Safety Facility.
Thank You
BalVihar Volunteers
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