Chicago Hindu Community Joins Together to Invoke Hanuman and Honor Swami Chinmayananda
Chicago, IL: On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Illinois, came alive with the divine energy of more than 4,000 attendees as Chinmaya Mission Chicago successfully hosted “Vayuputra in Windy City” – a religious and community extravaganza. This grand celebration commemorated the 75th anniversary of the global spiritual organization inspired by Swami Chinmayananda to spread the profound philosophy of Vedanta across the world.
The event was a resounding success for all age groups from children to seniors who appreciated the rich religious, cultural, and community experience. The Hanuman Chalisa Havan (fire sacrifice) and Puja (worship) were accompanied by cultural programs, exhibits, children’s activities, small business booths, and food trucks.
Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission and Chairman of the Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, traveled from India to personally bless the occasion. His inspiring message highlighted the connection of Hanuman ji with Chicago with mention of “Chi” – the life-giving energy (Prana) from Chinese lore and the Windy City. He also urged all Hindus, especially the children, to learn at least five selected verses of the Bhagavad Gita that have been labeled as the Gita Panchamrit. He lovingly invited all devotees to the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav to be held in October in New Delhi, India.
Other spiritual leaders of Chinmaya Mission present included Swami Sharanananda, Swami Aparajitananda, Respected Dhiren Khatri, Brahmacharini Sahana Chaitanya, and Brahmacharini Sandhya Chaitanya. Senior leaders and devotees from many community organizations were in attendance as well.
At the heart of the celebration was a deeply moving Havan featuring 31 Havan Kunds invoking Hanuman ji. Devotees offered oblations as 21 rounds of the popular and powerful Hanuman Chalisa were chanted by many teams from the five Chinmaya Mission Midwest centers (Badri, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Omkara, and Hamsavahini) as well as other community and cultural organizations such as Bansurist & Friends, Kannada Koota, Shrutilaya School of Music, Manav Seva Mandir, Swami Ayyappa Temple, Hari Om Mandir, Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam, Nagar Mandal, Hanuman Mandir, Kali Bari, Ramayana Chanting Group, Shri Krishna Temple, and Sadhana Music School. Each team presented Hanuman Chalisa in various ragas, creating a soul-stirring atmosphere of devotion.
Throughout the day, children joyfully participated in exciting outdoor games such as Sita’s Hidden Trail treasure hunt, Lanka Leap across the mini ocean, Hanuman’s Challenge obstacle course, and the fun I Am Hanuman! photo booth. Indoors, they enjoyed creative activities including Vayu’s Breath cup-blowing game, Ramayana Studio arts and crafts, Hanuman’s Sabha puzzles, and Build the Setu bridge-building. All the activities were designed to engage young minds with the spirit of the Ramayana in a playful atmosphere.
The event also paid homage to the legacy of Swami Chinmayananda through a dedicated Chinmaya Darshan exhibit that allowed attendees to walk through his life and work. This exhibit showcased the profound impact of his journey on thriving spiritual centers like the one in Chicago. A video presentation on his life and legacy which includes more than 300 centers around the world, Chinmaya University, international schools, orphanages, women’s empowerment programs, and many other initiatives deeply moved everyone.
Beyond the reflective exhibits, the indoor Mela was a hive of activity, featuring more than 53 booths. Apart from the globally well-known Isha, Art of Living, Science of Spirituality, and Samskrita Bharati, the booths also featured local organizations such as Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam, Sri Krushna Vrindavana, Sri Jagannath Society/Odisha Society of America, Havyaka Organization, Hari Om Gurukul, Dharmansh USA, and Indica. Local businesses showcased many offerings from religious art, jewelry, and clothing to yoga, dance, and music lessons, financial consulting, Reiki healing, and mobile applications, creating a dynamic marketplace of community resources.
The Chinmaya Mission Bala Vihar booth attracted significant interest from parents looking to involve their children in the popular Sunday classes. Attendees also enjoyed video presentations showcasing Chinmaya Mission’s Bala Vihar programs, highlighting the growth and impact of children’s spiritual education over the past 40 years.
After the religious events, the attendees were treated to a mesmerizing cultural program that showcased various aspects of the Ramayana through the rich dance traditions of India. It opened with a traditional Odissi Mangalacharan titled “Pada Vande Gananatha,” performed by Smt. Rakteema Dasgupta, Smt. Neeti Sabharwal, and Dr. Sangita Rangala to invoke Lord Ganesha’s blessings. This was followed by the vibrant presentation “Deva Shree Ganesha” by Maharashtra Mandal Chicago, led by President Deepali Sawant and Trustee Madhav Gogawale.
The Natya Dance Theatre, under the guidance of Smt. Hema Rajagopalan and Smt. Krithika Rajagopalan, presented “Hanuman Kavuthvam” and “Navarasa,” a captivating exploration of the nine emotions of Lord Rama through classical dance. It was performed by Aditi Ram, Prarthana Prashanth, Amuktha Samudrala, Parvati Achari, Rathna Kalluri, Amrita Rajesh, Nayana Ramesh, Nethra Nattami, Ushayini Seshan and Poorna Bhat.
Another highlight was “Raghunandana,” a classical-contemporary dance by NalinaPadam School of Dance, performed by Sudha, Nisha, Shuchi, Sheela, and Maanya, which brought to life inspiring episodes from the Ramayana depicting Hanuman’s strength, calmness, and devotion.
Suhaani Dance Academy, representing Nagar Mandal of Greater Chicago and led by Falguni Rana, offered a traditional dance dedicated to Shri Hanuman. The energetic Punjabi spirit was celebrated through “Baand Baaja Bhangra” by adults and children of Chinmaya Yamunotri. A dynamic group performance depicted the mighty Hanuman Sena building the Ram Sethu and crossing to Lanka alongside Lord Rama.
The program culminated in a collective Hanuman Chalisa Chanting by Chinmaya Mission Chicago’s “Chicago Chants Chalisa” initiative which taught the Chalisa to more than 600 adults and children in various neighborhoods.
Throughout the day, a variety of area food vendors served delicious vegetarian food and beverages, making it a complete family mela experience.
More than 250 Chinmaya volunteers were supported by several volunteers from partner organizations including Sewa International, Science of Spirituality, and Radha Swami Satsang. As the program concluded, Rajul Bhalala, President of Chinmaya Mission Chicago, acknowledged the tireless efforts of Acharyas, sponsors, volunteers, performers, and the entire Chinmaya family to make the event a grand success and a fulfilling one for the community.
“The resounding success of the Vayuputra in Windy City event beautifully demonstrates the living legacy of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. Bringing together thousands of collective chanting, classical performances, and joyous community activities, this Amrit Mahotsav 75 event reminded all of us about the unifying power of faith and culture. Under the guidance of Pujya Swami Swaroopananda and the dedicated leadership of Chinmaya Mission Chicago, the festival not only honored the past but also sowed seeds of inspiration for future generations. Events like these strengthen our roots while spreading the light of Sanatana Dharma far and wide,” said Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman & Founder, Asian Media USA.
About Pujya Swami Swaroopananda:
Pujya Swami Swaroopananda is the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, spreading Vedanta wisdom. A direct disciple of Swami Chinmayananda, he was born in Bombay and raised in Hong Kong. He joined the Vedanta course in 1984, took monastic vows in 1992, and became Global Head in 2017. Known for blending ancient wisdom with modern living, Swamiji travels worldwide to teach and transform lives. He serves as Chancellor of Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth and Chairman of Chinmaya International Residential School. His books include Storm to Perform, Ik Onkar, and Inner Ramayana.
About Chinmaya Mission Chicago:
Chinmaya Mission Chicago is a leading spiritual and cultural organization dedicated to Vedanta and Hindu philosophy. Serving more than 1,000 families, it operates three centers: Chinmaya Badri in Willowbrook, Chinmaya Gangotri in Chicago, and Chinmaya Yamunotri in Grayslake. Under the guidance of spiritual guides Swami Sharanananda, Swami Aparajitananda, and Respected Dhiren Khatri, the centers offer age-specific programs for the whole family: Bala Vihar and Shishu Vihar for children’s value-based education, regular Bhagavad Gita discourses and study groups for adults, and spiritual classes for seniors through the Chinmaya Vanaprastha wing. It also hosts a popular summer camp, organizes festivals, and conducts immersive retreats for youth, women, and sincere seekers.
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Asian Media USA
Suresh Bodiwala
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