Welcome to Balvihar!
Balvihar is an educational program where children learn about Hindu culture, traditions, and values through engaging activities like storytelling, bhajans, prayers, and scripture study. Derived from Sanskrit, “Balvihar” means a place of learning for children. Held in temples or community centers, Balvihar fosters a deep cultural identity and spiritual awareness in young Hindus, helping them appreciate and carry forward their heritage. We strive to nurture an environment where:
- Children’s personalities blossom naturally.
- They develop good conduct, emotional intelligence, intellectual finesse, and spiritual awareness.
- They are encouraged to become responsible, alert, and compassionate members of society.
Who Can Participate?
Everyone is welcome! Balvihar is for both children and their parents/adults. We strongly encourage parents to actively engage in this learning journey. When parents participate fully, children thrive in the safe and caring environment we create together.
Please Note: Children must be potty-trained and able to communicate verbally. If not, they must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times.
Schedule
- When: Every Sunday morning from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
- Where: HTSNM at 8418 Zuni Rd. SE, 87108
Fees
- Monthly: $10.00 per child
- Annual: $100.00 for the first child and $75.00 for each additional child
- Fees are payable via cash or check to Balvihar and are due by the 10th of each month. We encourage families to pay annually.
- Special Offer: If both parents are students at UNM or CNM, the program is free!
Registration
To enroll, please complete the Enrollment Form available in the download section and submit it to Sita Mani (Program Coordinator) via email at hindutemplenm@gmail.com.
A Typical Day at Balvihar
- Group 1 (Kindergarten and younger): Activities include watching videos, participating in impromptu plays, making crafts, coloring, playing games, and reading stories. Shlokas and moral values are integrated throughout the class.
- Group 2 (First & Second Grade): Activities include watching videos, participating in impromptu plays, and reading stories. Age-appropriate discussions on moral values and reinforcement of shlokas are key components.
- Group 3 (Third Grade up to 12 years old): Focus on discussions about the symbolism of Hinduism, stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the practical application of moral values to current life situations.
- Group 4 (Teenagers): Student-led discussions on self-exploratory topics such as “Who am I?”, “What is my purpose?”, and “What happens after death?”. The focus is on applying Hindu teachings to contemporary life challenges.