Iowa City Balavihar is a volunteer community program for teaching and education of Indian heritage. Here the parents volunteer their time to serve as counselors, mentors, and hosts to promote spiritual and cultural awareness.
Each group will be led by at least two counselors who will serve as mentors and facilitators for the group, organize pooja and festivals and serve on the Balavihar counselor committee.
Children typically learn Sanskrit slokas and mantras by reciting along with the counselor. Groups are formed based on the age and knowledge of students.
Sunday meetings are privately hosted at a family's residence.
10:15 -10:30 Social gathering/ Meet & Greet
10:30 - 10:40 Opening Prayers
10:40 - 11:00 Individual group lessons/New prayer
11:00 -12:00 Science Videos / Games / Jokes
12:00 - 12:10 Closing Prayers (sukha karta dukha hartaa / Jai Jagadessha hare / Sudarshana ashtakam)
Aarthi, Prasad (virtually)
2020 - May-Sep - Children led Vishnu Sahasranaama chanting for 155 consecutive days 6-7 PM daily
2021 - Year End Vishnu Sahasranaama chanting concludes on 1/1/2022