Our Bureau
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.
— Asian Media USA