Thank You For Celebrating Vayuputra With Us!
A glorious milestone in honoring Chinmaya Mission’s 75th Anniversary with prayer, devotion, and community spirit.
"This is not the end but only the beginning of a journey. Watch out for next year's program."
Thousands Celebrate Chinmaya Missionβs 75th Anniversary with Hanuman Havan & Family Mela
The DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois, came alive with the divine energy of aboutΒ 4,000 attendeesΒ as Chinmaya Mission Chicago successfully hosted βVayuputra in Windy Cityβ β a religious and community extravaganza to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Chinmaya Mission.
The event was a resounding success for all age groups with the main Hanuman Chalisa Havan (fire sacrifice) accompanied by cultural programs, exhibits, childrenβs activities, business booths, and food trucks.
31 Havan Kunds & Chanting
At the heart of the celebration was a deeply moving Havan featuringΒ 31 Havan KundsΒ invoking Hanuman ji. Devotees offered oblations as 21 rounds of the Hanuman Chalisa were chanted in different tunes by many teams from the five Chinmaya Mission Midwest centers (Badri, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Omkara, and Hamsavahini) as well as other organizations.
Spiritual Leadership
Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission and Chairman of CCMT, gave an inspiring message highlighting the connection of Hanuman ji with Chicago with mention of βChiβ β the life-giving energy (Prana) from Chinese lore and the Windy City. Also present were Swami Sharanananda, Swami Aparajitananda, Respected Dhiren Khatri, Brni. Sahana Chaitanya, and Brni. Sandhya Chaitanya.
Youth & Children’s Zone
Children joyfully participated in outdoor games such asΒ Sitaβs Hidden Trail,Β Lanka Leap,Β Hanumanβs Challenge, and theΒ I Am Hanuman!Β photo booth. Indoors, they enjoyed creative activities likeΒ Vayuβs BreathΒ cup-blowing,Β Ramayana StudioΒ arts and crafts,Β Hanumanβs SabhaΒ puzzles, andΒ Build the Setu.
Indoor Mela & Exhibits
The event paid homage to Swami Chinmayananda through a dedicatedΒ Chinmaya Darshan exhibitΒ and a popular Bala Vihar booth. The indoor Mela featuredΒ more than 53 boothsΒ showcasing art, jewelry, clothing, yoga, dance, music, financial consulting, health, and mobile applications.
Cultural & Mass Chanting
A mesmerizing cultural program showcased the Ramayana through Odissi, Bharatanatyam, contemporary dance, and folk dances from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab. The program culminated in collective chanting by theΒ βChicago Chants ChalisaβΒ initiative, which taught the Chalisa to over 600 adults and children.
Food & Volunteer Support
Throughout the day, a variety of area food vendors served delicious vegetarian food and beverages, making it a complete family mela experience.Β More than 250 Chinmaya volunteersΒ were supported by several volunteers from partner organizations to make the event memorable for the entire city.
Event Photo Gallery
A glimpse of the sacred moments captured throughout the day
Organizations Joining Hands
Proudly supported by leading Hindu & cultural organizations across Chicagoland
Food Vendors
The Journey Continues...
While the Hanuman Havan has concluded, its inspiration continues to guide our lives.
Chinmaya Mission Chicago offers opportunities for every member of the family to grow spiritually throughout the year. Keep the momentum going through structured study classes, youth forums, and regular satsangs across Chicagoland.
Bala Vihar & Youth (CHYK)
Empowering children and youth with spiritual values, culture, and life tools.
Vedanta Study Groups
Systematic weekly study of Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Vedantic texts for adults.
It is the best gift you can give to your children and through them, to your entire family.