Chinmaya Mission Orlando
Chinmaya Mission Orlando cordially invites you for the observance of Mahashivaratri on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025.
Sponsorship is available for following :
| Puja Name | Dollar Amount | SMS Text ( to 407-942-7466) |
|---|---|---|
| All Day, All Pooja | $501 |
Donate MAP |
| Ganesh Havan | $101 |
Donate MGH |
| Maha Rudra Pooja | $251 |
Donate MMR |
| Maha Mrutyanjaya Havan | $151 |
Donate MMH |
| Laghu Rudra | $101 |
Donate MLR |
| Shiv Sahastra Namavali Archana | $101 |
Donate MSN |
| Shiva Aarti | $25 |
Donate MSA |
| Lord Shiva Vastra & Alankar | $101 |
Donate MSC |
| Flowers | $51 |
Donate MSF |
| Prasad | $51 |
Donate MSP |
Sponsor Now
Chinmaya Mission Orlando is excited to announce the commencement of online vedic chanting classes by Sree Aswath ji
on Thursdays @ 6:30 PM EST starting from November 7, 2024.
Registration for this event is now closed. Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if you are interested.
Importance of Vedic Chanting
Vedic chanting holds significant spiritual benefits and plays a crucial role in Hinduism. The Vedas, ancient texts of India, are repositories of realized truths about life and living. They were composed by Rishis (seers) in a time when there were no writing instruments. By chanting the Vedas, students could effectively memorize them, even without fully comprehending the profound meanings initially. The goal was to pass down this invaluable knowledge through oral transmission. Vedic chanting can help with memory, concentration, and learning. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve breathing.
About Sree Aswathji
Sree Aswath is a retired IT professional with degrees in Physics, Mathematics, Law and Computer science.
He is continuing his centuries old family tradition of pursuit of scholarship in Indian Scriptures. Aswath had initial training in Sanskrit from his grandfather, Asthana Vidwan M.S.S.Sastry, the court scholar (Asthana Vidwan) of the Mysore Palace. Later, he was the disciple of Sri Anantakrishna Ghanapathi, Professor of Yajur Veda in the Bangalore Sanskrit College (now Sanskrit University) under whom he studied the Krishna Yajurveda.
Sree Aswath has been regularly teaching Vedas, Shastras, and Sanskrit to several students across many countries since 1975. He lectures extensively on Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. He has held seminars and workshops in the USA, Canada, Mexico and in India. He has published many articles and manuals on Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Aswath propagates Hindu Dharma through conducting Vedic rituals. Presently, he is on the faculty of the Hindu University of America. He was bestowed the title of “Samskrita Sri” by the World Association of Vedic Studies.
Sree Aswath has been recognized as an outstanding Ohioan by the General Assembly, the Legislature, of the State of Ohio.
on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
“OM RUN” is a walkathon/run organized by the Chinmaya Mission of Orlando (CMO). This year, the event will be held on March 8, 2025. The event, now in its fourth year, has a dual mandate.
In existence in the Central Florida area for over 25 years, CMO strives to build stronger communities by supporting the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth of children and adults alike. OM RUN’s goal is to continue to build on our tenets of education, wellness, service, and leadership through a wellness-based charitable event focused on supporting togetherness and a sense of community.
Additionally, the OM RUN is being held for an equally powerful cause. OM RUN was initiated as a humble tribute to Dr. Shailaja Nadkarni, a pediatric cardiologist and a founder and past president of CMO on her “PunyaTithi” (death anniversary). This year’s event is being held a few weeks earlier due to scheduling conflicts. Dr. Nadkarni passed on March 18, 2019, but her spirit continues to pervade the community and the thousands of lives she touched, both in her private practice in Maitland, as well as an emotional and spiritual coach to families across Central Florida for close to four decades. In recognition of her universal love of children and their physical and emotional well-being, as well as her life-long dedication to her profession, this event will also support “Who we Play For”, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization aiming to eliminate preventable sudden cardiac death in the young through affordable heart screenings.
Register
(Early bird registration ends February 16th)
SPONSOR THE EVENT - In order to achieve our mission to provide services to the community, we rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses for support. Without the assistance of community-minded sponsors like you, we would not be in a position to serve our community. We humbly request your support for this event. If you would like to make a donation to or sponsor this event, please click the Donate button below. All donations are tax deductible.
Donate
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you share more details about the Picnic?
The walkathon will be followed by a Picnic. The picnic provides an opportunity to meet and mingle with other CMO members and OM Run participants, furthering a sense of community while having fun and spending more time in the great outdoors.The picnic is being sponsored by Chinmaya Mission Orlando and it is open to all those who are registered for OM Run. You must register for the picnic while registering for OM Run. Additional details about the picnic are shared later in these FAQ.
2. When and where is it being held?
March 8, 2025.
Barnett Park, 4801 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808 - PAVILION 3 and 4 (Click here for the map)
| Check-in | 8:00 am – 9:00 am |
| Walkathon | 9:00 am – 11:30 am |
| Picnic | 11:30 am – 3:00 pm |
3. Is parking available at the venue? Is it free?
Ample free parking is available at Barnett Park. Please Park in the areas around Pavilion 3 and Pavilion 4.
4. How long is the walk? Do we have to walk the entire loop? Are there volunteers along the way?
We have 3 routes available: these are roughly 1k, 3k and 5k loops. We encourage you to set your own goals for the event and walk or run at your own pace. We would love to see adults and kids challenge each other and walk for at least an hour. An amble walker will take anywhere between 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours to complete the 5k loop. A brisk walker can do a 5K walkathon in about an hour. We will have volunteers stationed along the path with refreshments and for general assistance.
5. What are the registration fees for the walkathon? Do you offer family registrations? And do we need to pay for the T-Shirts?
Early bird registration ends February 16, 2025. Registration fees for OM RUN 2025 are as follows.
| Through Feb 16 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult or child over 5 (under 5 do not need to register) | $15 | $20 |
| Virtual | $10 | $10 |
| Family registration (up to 4 adults or children) | $50 | Not Available |
T-Shirts are included for all those who register by Feb 16, 2025. For registrations after Feb 16 or at the event, no family or other discounts are available, and T-shirts are not guaranteed. We will order some extra T-shirts and they are available on a first-come-first-serve basis until they run out.
6. What are the registration fees for the picnic?
The picnic is being sponsored by Chinmaya Mission Orlando for all those who are registered for the OM Run walkathon. A wristband will be given during OM Run check-in and is required for the picnic.
You must register for the Picnic while registering for OM Run. As we need to make arrangement for food in advance, we may not be able to accommodate registrations for the picnic if you register after Feb 16, 2025 or at the event. We encourage you to register early.
7. Can I walk/run Virtually? What is the registration fee? Do I get a T-Shirt?
We appreciate that there are a lot of people who would like to pay tribute to Shaila ji and walk for a good cause. If you are unable to make it in person, please register as a Virtual participant. OM RUN is open for virtual registrations. The registration fee for virtual registrants is $10. T-shirts are not included for virtual registrants.
A Virtual walkathon/race is a walk/race you can run at any location, at your pace, outside or on a treadmill, alone or with a group of friends, any distance you like, preferably on the same day/time of the event. We encourage all virtual participants to send us a picture or video of their walk/run.
8.I would like to attend but I don’t need a T-shirt.
During the registration process, please enter a comment that you do not want a T-shirt.
9.If we are volunteering, do we need to register?
Yes, we request all volunteers to please register as this is a Charity event. We also ask all volunteers to arrange their volunteer duties with their team such that they find time to walk.
10. Where do I check-in at the event?
Check-in is at Pavilion 3, Barnett Park, 4801 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808. Follow the signs from the park entrance to Pavilion 3.
11. How do I pay for the registration on the day of the event?
Credit cards, checks and cash will be accepted.
12. Are guests allowed?
Yes, guests are allowed, but they must register for the event. Registered guests may stay for the CMO sponsored picnic.
13. Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed in city parks provided they are on leash at all times, and any excreta deposited upon public property including City parks, recreational facilities, sidewalks, and right-of-ways by the pet is promptly removed. All City Park regulations must be followed for pets. However, CMO disclaims any responsibility for pets and the owners assumes full responsibility for their pet during the event. We do not recommend that the pet participates in the walkathon as it may be disruptive to the other walkers.
14. Are food or drinks available for purchase during the walkathon?
CMO will provide water, drinks, and light refreshments during the walkathon at no cost.
15. Where is the picnic being held and what will be served during the picnic?
The picnic will be held at Pavilion 3 and 4 and the surrounding open area. We plan on serving a variety of Indian “snacky” items and pizza. In addition to kids being able to enjoy the playground, sand volleyball court and open play area, volunteers are planning some fun activities and games during the picnic.
16. What should I bring on the day of the event?
We recommend a hat, small towel, sunscreen and insect repellent. Please bring an insulated refillable water bottle. Please wear comfortable clothing and good walking/running shoes. Remember, registered participants will be getting T-shirts so wear something you easily change from or pull the T-shirt over.
17. Are there activities for children/senior citizens/adults if they cannot walk or want to walk one of the shorter courses?
Yes, there is a playground, sand volleyball court, and open play area next to the Pavilion. There is ample seating in the pavilion for seniors, adults and children. Volunteers will be stationed at the pavilion at all times.
18. Are restroom facilities available at the park?
Yes, the park has restrooms very close to the Pavilion.
19. I would like to donate towards or sponsor the Walkathon. What do I need to do?
To donate for OM Run, please click the DONATE button on the Chinmaya Mission home page. Please mention “OM Run Donation” in the comments.
To sponsor the event, please see a volunteer in the office or pay the sponsorship amount using the DONATE button on the Chinmaya Mission home page and mention “OM Run Sponsorship” in the comments. Someone will call you to discuss further details.
20. Can I pick-up my T-Shirt before the event?
We will attempt to have t-shirts available for pick-up at CMO the day prior to the event for registered attendees.
21. Are my tickets refundable?
Registration fees are non-refundable, and tickets are non-transferable.
22. What if the weather is bad or there are other closures?
If required to do so, CMO may reschedule, cancel, postpone, move or convert the event to a virtual walkathon due to weather conditions, COVID-19, catastrophes, applicable law/guidelines or other conditions. All registered participants will be informed of any such changes.
23. I have other questions not mentioned above. Who can I contact?
For any additional questions, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bala Vihar Registration for 2024-2025 session is now open. Bala Vihar philosophy and language classes will commence on Sunday, August 11th 2024 at 9:00am EST. We invoke the grace and blessings of the Lord and Poojya Gurudev for a safe and successful Bala Vihar session.
We have added a simplified re-enrollment process for families who were enrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Returning Students
If your child has registered in Bala Vihar for the 2023-2024 session (last year), you don't have to re-enroll again.You should have received an email from Chinmaya Mission Orlando with the registration details for the 2024-2025 Bala Vihar session along with a link to make the payment. If you haven’t received an email, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 813-789-4035.
New Students
If your child has not attended the 2023-2024 Bala Vihar session, Please register your child/children by clicking on the below registration link.
CMO Membership (Families with no children in Bala Vihar)
Please enroll/re-enroll your CMO Membership for the 2024-2025 session by clicking on the below donation link. The suggested donation amount is $301.00 for family membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I re-enroll to Bala Vihar (Returning Families with children in Bala Vihar)?
A.If your child has registered in Bala Vihar for the 2023-2024 session (last year), you don't have to re-enroll again.You should have received an email from Chinmaya mission Orlando with the registration details for the 2024-2025 Bala Vihar session along with a link to make the payment. If you haven’t received an email, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 407-619-5020 / 813-789-4035
Q.How do I enroll in Bala Vihar (New Families with children in Bala Vihar)?
A.Please register your child/children by clicking on the above registration link. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 813-789-4035 for any questions.
Q. How do I enroll/re-enroll as Chinmaya Mission Orlando Member (Families with no children in Bala Vihar)?
A. Please visit us at www.chinmayaorlando.org/donate to enroll/re-enroll as a member for the 2024-2025 session. The suggested donation amount is $301.00 for family membership. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 813-789-4035 for any questions.
Q.How can I pay by check or cash?
A.We currently accept credit card payments online and for payments via check or cash, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 813-789-4035 and we will provide you further details.
Every Weekday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM, we will take turns to chant select hymns and stotrams for 15 minutes and read Pujya Gurudev’s commentary of the Bhagavad Geeta.
To be one of the chanters or readers, review the upcoming stotrams and if the slot for a give day is not filled up, sign up for it by filling this simple form.
