Balvihar - Lohas Park Ages 4-7 and 8-12
Tue, 26 Dec
|Lohas Park, Hong Kong
Weekly classes are offered in Hong Kong, where children can come together and embrace the knowledge of the scriptures under the guidance of a trained teacher who uses an interactive approach.
Time & Location
26 Dec 2023, 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm
Lohas Park, Hong Kong
About the event
Children who had spiritual values instilled into them from the onset would be able to lead a more positive lifestyle. Accordingly, Swami Chinmayananda he devised a weekly gathering of children, and entitled it ‘Bala Vihar’ using the medium of storytelling to impart values, introducing children to the philosophy of the scriptures as well as teaching them chanting and bhajans. Weekly classes are offered in Hong Kong, where children can come together and embrace the knowledge of the scriptures under the guidance of a trained teacher who uses an interactive approach. We have age-specific classes for children between 4 to 18 years in various locations around Hong Kong.
Event FAQs
Q. What should I expect from the event?
A. Expect a powerful collective yajna: 11 full recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa across 21 altars. For the Altar Offering Experience, each altar round invites up to 6 people to step forward and make a personal offering during 1 Chalisa.
Q. How do I get to the event?
A. Link to maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S1aSihaBvbEU4qAA8?g_st=iw
By MTR: Take the MTR to Kowloon Station (Exit B). From the station, the venue is approximately a 15 minute walk following the route provided on Google Maps. For other transport options, please visit:
https://www.westkowloon.hk/en/transport
By Bus: Several routes stop near Museum Dr (refer to above link).
By Ferry: From Central Pier No. 9 to WestK Quay and back. Refer to link for ferry schedule and prices - https://www.westk.hk/en/visit/westk-ferry
By Private Car: There is parking at Elements Shopping Mall, M+ Car Park, Art Park Car Park and the closest is Hong Kong Palace Museum Car Park.
By Uber/Taxi: Type in "HKPAX Great Lawn" as the address in the app.
Q. What is the difference between the Altar Offering Experience and the Community Chanting Experience?
A. The Altar Offering Experience includes a personal offering at the altar during a recitation of 1 Hanuman Chalisa, in addition to full participation in the collective chanting for the remaining 10 Chalisas.
The Community Chanting Experience offers only a reserved seat behind the altars, where you can join all recitations and be part of the shared devotional energy, but does not include participating in the puja at the altar.
Q. Will there be chairs to sit on?
A. Yes! For the Community Chanting Experience there are only chairs available for seating. However, for the Altar Offering Experience you have the choice between floor and chair. In the ticket checkout there is an option to inform us if you require a chair at the altar and how many for your group.
Q. Do I need to bring anything for the altar offering?
A. No. All materials and offerings will be provided by us.
Q. Is this event suitable for beginners?
A. Absolutely! Whether you are familiar with the Hanuman Chalisa or experiencing it for the first time, you will be guided throughout. You are welcome to participate at your own pace.
Q. Do I need to know the Hanuman Chalisa beforehand?
A. Not at all! You are welcome to listen, follow along, or chant as much as you feel comfortable. The lyrics are available in the PDF linked in the description above and will also be provided on a screen on the day.
Q. Can I bring my children?
A. Absolutely!! All ages are welcome and we will even have a Kids' Corner set up with games, arts & crafts and stories to keep the little ones entertained during the event if they prefer not to sit and chant. All kids require a ticket to enter the event and be part of the chanting, but there is no extra charge on top of the ticket to access the Kids' Corner. The event’s collective chanting provides a positive, uplifting atmosphere for children as well.
Q. What should I wear?
A. We recommend comfortable, modest clothing suitable for a sacred and seated environment.
Q. Will seating be assigned?
A. Yes, all ticket holders will have reserved seating assigned based on first-come, first-serve from orders received. Altar participants will also have a designated seat when not seated at the altar. You will see your seat number on your ticket, which you will receive within 1 week before the event.
Q. Can I attend with friends or family?
A. Yes, you are welcome to attend together. If you’d like to be seated together, we recommend booking tickets in the same order form. Each Chalisa recitation at the altar is shared among a small group of 6 participants, creating a focused and intimate setting for your offering.
Q. Is this event open to all backgrounds and beliefs?
A. Yes. This is a welcoming, inclusive space open to anyone who wishes to experience the power of chanting and collective devotion.
Q. Is there wheelchair access?
A. Yes! The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Q. What time should I be there by?
A. Registration for the event opens at 3pm. We recommend arriving before the event begins at 4pm so that you may comfortably register and get settled into your seats without missing out on any of the puja.
Q. Can I come late?
A. Yes, but you'll miss out on parts of the ceremony and consequently the benefits that come from the chanting and vibrations. To fully experience the energy and all 11 Chalisa recitations, please arrive on time.
Q. Can I buy tickets at the door?
A. You can but we don't recommend it as all tickets may sell out online before the event.