VMCC

Maha Shivratri
2026-02-15 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Shivratri, especially Maha Shivratri (“Great Night of Shiva”), is a major Hindu festival celebrating Lord Shiva, marking his divine power and overcoming darkness; devotees fast, stay awake all night, offer prayers, chant “Om Namah Shivay,” and perform abhishekam (bathing the Shivalinga) with milk, honey, and water to seek blessings, spiritual growth, and dissolution of ego and ignorance, celebrating the union of Shiva and Parvati or Shiva’s manifestation as a pillar of light.

Holi
2026-03-07 10:00 - 14:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Holi, the Hindu “Festival of Colors,” celebrates spring’s arrival and the triumph of good over evil with vibrant colors, music, and dancing, typically in late February or March, marked by bonfires (Holika Dahan) the night before and a day of throwing colored powders (gulal) and water. Rooted in mythology, particularly the story of Prahlada and Holika, it’s a joyous occasion for people of all backgrounds to connect, forgive, and welcome new beginnings, with celebrations worldwide.

Ugadi
2026-03-21 10:00 - 14:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Ugadi is the New Year festival celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka in India. It marks the beginning of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, typically falling in March or April. The festival symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and the arrival of spring.
Significance of Ugadi
•It is observed on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the Chaitra month (as per the Hindu calendar).
•Ugadi is believed to be the day when Lord Brahma created the universe.
•It marks the beginning of a new Samvatsara (year) in the Hindu calendar.

Shri Ram Navami
2026-03-28 10:00 - 14:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Shri Ram Navami is a significant Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, marking the triumph of dharma (righteousness) and the ideal human. Celebrated on the ninth day of the Chaitra month (March-April) in the Hindu calendar, devotees fast, perform pujas (worship) with images of Rama, read the Ramayana, and stage Ramlila plays, especially in Ayodhya, his birthplace, with symbolic weddings (Kalyanotsavam) also held.

Chinmaya Gita Samarpanam - Global Gita Chanting of Chapter 15
2026-05-09 09:30 - 12:30 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Join Global Gita Chanting of Chapter 15 — “Purushottam Yoga”, as we unite hearts and voices around the world in offering gratitude to Bhagawan and Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, and celebrating the timeless wisdom of the Gita.
This event is a Guiness World Record Attempt By Chinmaya Mission for Most people chanting online simultaneously (Target: 108,000 participants) – Group Chanting of CHAPTER 15 – Puruṣhottama Yoga

Location:
Cisco Webex (virtual/online)

Date:
May 9, 2026

Time:
7 AM PT / 9 AM CT / 10 AM EST / 7:30 PM IST / 3 PM GST

Registration Link – https://cmw.chinmaya75.org/global-gita-chanting-registration/
Be a part of this historical event! Let us chant together for inner peace, clarity, and global harmony.
Together, let’s fill the world with the vibrations of the Lord’s words!
visit for more information: https://cmw.chinmaya75.org/global-gita-chanting/
The Samarpanam brings voices from every part of the world into a rising wave that carries the timeless guidance of the Gita into homes and communities with a sense of shared purpose. Its scale reflects an expanding wish for harmony as people across continents turn to the same teaching at the same time.
As the chant moves across regions, it becomes a global celebration of the legacy that has taken this ancient knowledge far beyond its birthplace. Its resonance builds connection and draws people into a feeling of togetherness that lifts awareness toward peace, showing how deeply the Mission’s vision is rooted across the world.
Awareness of the holy gita
A space to reflect on the chapter’s guidance on human nature and allow understanding to settle in a way that lifts the seeker from within.
Coming together of the community
A sacred chanting event to bring peace and harmony for all.

Mandir will not open on 5/23
2026-05-23 08:00 - 17:00
Mandir is closed due to memorial day parade.

Sundarakand
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Sundara Kanda (Beautiful Chapter) is the fifth book of the Hindu epic Ramayana, focusing on the heroic adventures and devotion of Lord Hanuman, particularly his journey to Lanka to find Sita, making it a beloved and spiritually significant part of the text, often recited for blessings and protection.

Protagonist: Unlike other books, Hanuman is the central figure, showcasing his strength, selflessness, and unwavering loyalty to Rama.
Meaning: “Sundara” means beautiful, and “Kanda” means book or section, signifying the beauty of Hanuman’s quest and devotion.
Content: It details Hanuman’s leap across the ocean, his infiltration of Lanka, his meeting with Sita in the Ashoka garden, his confrontation with Ravana, and his return to Rama with news of Sita.
Significance: Hindus consider it a powerful text for removing negative energy, fulfilling desires, and gaining strength, often recited as the Sundarkand Path.
Origin: Composed by the sage Valmiki, it’s the original Sanskrit version.

In essence, Sundara Kanda is celebrated as the heart of the Ramayana, highlighting Hanuman’s extraordinary feats and devotion, which serves as an inspiration for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.

Independence Day Celebration
2026-08-15 10:00 - 13:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
India’s Independence Day celebrated annually on August 15th, commemorating India’s freedom from British rule in 1947, marking the end of the British Raj and the start of a sovereign nation through the Indian Independence Act. Celebrations involve flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural programs, and addresses by leaders, with communities worldwide joining in to honor India’s rich history and democratic journey, as noted in various official statements and cultural reflections.

Janmashtami
2026-09-05 10:00 - 16:00
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Krishna’s birth symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the advent of divine joy, love, and wisdom in the world.
It is observed on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September).
Spiritual Teachings
Janmashtami reminds devotees of:
1.The importance of faith and devotion.
2.Righteousness in actions, as exemplified by Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita.
3.Love and compassion, as Krishna’s life embodies selfless love for humanity.

Significance of Janmashtami
1.Divine Incarnation:
•Lord Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devaki in Mathura to end the tyranny of King Kansa and restore dharma (righteousness).
2.Symbol of Love and Devotion:
•Krishna’s life teaches selfless love, compassion, and devotion to the divine.
3.Philosophical Teachings:
•Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita guide humanity on leading a righteous and fulfilling life.

Ganesh Chaturthi
2026-09-19 10:00 - 18:00
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. It is observed during the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September).
1.Symbol of New Beginnings:
•Ganesha is invoked at the start of new ventures to remove obstacles and bring success.
2.Unity and Community:
•The festival fosters social harmony, with communities coming together for grand celebrations.
3.Cultural and Spiritual Importance:
•The festival honors Ganesha as the Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles) and Buddhi Pradaayaka (bestower of wisdom).
Spiritual Teachings
1.Overcoming Obstacles:
•Ganesha teaches us to approach challenges with wisdom and courage.
2.Unity and Humility:
•The festival emphasizes community and the joy of sharing.
3.Respect for Nature:
•Encourages living in harmony with the environment.

Navaratri Garba
2026-10-11 16:00 - 21:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Navratri Garba is a vibrant, circular folk dance from Gujarat, India, performed during the Hindu festival of Navratri to honor Goddess Durga, symbolizing the cycle of life and victory of good over evil, with dancers moving rhythmically around a central lamp or image, clapping and spinning in colorful attire, often with sticks (Dandiya).
Key aspects of Garba during Navratri:

Meaning & Symbolism: “Garba” comes from Sanskrit for “womb,” representing life, with the dance symbolizing the circle of life, death, and rebirth, centered around the divine feminine.
The Dance: Dancers form circles, moving counter-clockwise with rhythmic steps, hand claps, and arm sweeps, often barefoot, around a ‘Garbo’ (an earthen pot with a lamp) or Durga idol, which signifies life within the body.
Festival Context: It’s a central part of the nine nights of Navratri, a festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, celebrating her victory over the demon Mahishasura.
Attire: Dancers wear brightly colored, mirror-worked traditional Gujarati clothes like the chaniya choli for women and kediyu for men, often adorned with jewelry.
Variations: While Garba is the circular dance, it’s often performed alongside Dandiya Raas, where partners use colorful sticks (dandiyas) to strike each other’s sticks in rhythmic patterns.
Cultural Significance: Garba promotes social unity, transcends boundaries, and was recognized by UNESCO in 2023 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Mata ki Chowki
2026-10-16 18:00 - 21:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Mata Ki Chowki is a devotional gathering or event held to honor and worship Maa Durga, Maa Lakshmi, Maa Saraswati, or other forms of Shakti (divine feminine power). The word “Chowki” refers to the platform or seat where the deity’s idol or picture is placed, and the event typically involves prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), kirtans, and the recitation of religious texts.
1. Celebration of Divine Feminine Energy:
•It is a way to honor the divine feminine and seek blessings for well-being, peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.
2.Spiritual Upliftment:
•The occasion is often associated with deep devotion and spiritual practices to enhance one’s faith and connection to the divine.
3.Community Bonding:
•A Mata Kee Chowki is often held in community settings where friends and family gather to participate in the prayers, share prasad (blessed food), and celebrate together.
Common Traditions
1.Mata Ki Chowki During Navratri:
•Mata Kee Chowki is especially popular during Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to Maa Durga. It is believed that participating in Mata Kee Chowki during Navratri brings special blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity.
2.On Specific Occasions:
•It is also celebrated on important occasions like Dussehra, Makar Sankranti, or any special occasion where devotees seek the blessings of the goddess.
3.Chowki for Specific Deities:
•Some people organize Mata Kee Chowki for specific forms of the goddess, such as Maa Durga, Maa Lakshmi, Maa Saraswati, or Maa Kali, depending on their needs or spiritual focus.

Bathukamma
2026-10-17 16:00 - 21:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Bathukamma is a vibrant and traditional festival celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh. It honors the goddess Gauri (a form of Maa Parvati) and is observed during the Telugu calendar month of Bhadrapada, typically coinciding with the Hindu festival of Durga Ashtami and lasts for nine days, ending on Dussehra. The name “Bathukamma” translates to “Mother Goddess come alive,” symbolizing life, growth, and fertility.
Significance of Bathukamma
1.Celebration of Motherhood and Fertility:
•Bathukamma symbolizes the worship of Gauri, the goddess of life, who is believed to bring prosperity, good health, and fertility. The festival is an expression of love and gratitude towards the goddess for nurturing life on Earth.
2.A Harvest Festival:
•Bathukamma also marks the beginning of the harvest season, symbolizing nature’s bounty and beauty. It is associated with the agricultural practices and the renewal of life and vegetation.
3.Female Empowerment:
•The festival is largely a women’s festival, where women play an active role in the celebrations, symbolizing their power and significance in maintaining balance in the world.
Spiritual Significance
•Celebrating Nature’s Bounty: Bathukamma honors the cycle of nature, with flowers representing the beauty and growth of life. It serves as a reminder of the interconnection between humans and the natural world.
•Blessings of the Goddess: Through the worship of Gauri, devotees seek blessings for prosperity, good health, and overall well-being. It is believed that worshiping her during Bathukamma brings peace and harmony to the family.

Dussehra
2026-10-24 14:00 - 21:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important and widely celebrated Hindu festivals. It marks the victory of good over evil and symbolizes the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as well as the victory of Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It typically falls on the tenth day of Ashvin (September–October) in the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is the culmination of the Navratri festival.
Significance of Dussehra
1.Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana:
•Dussehra commemorates the day when Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued his wife Sita after a long battle. The story of Rama’s victory over Ravana is recounted in the Ramayana, where Ravana, symbolizing ego, pride, and evil, is vanquished by Rama, the embodiment of dharma (righteousness).
2.Victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura:
•Dussehra also celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. According to the legend, Mahishasura, a buffalo-headed demon, had gained immense power and terrorized the world. The gods and goddesses created Durga, a powerful form of Shakti, who defeated him in battle. This aspect of the festival is especially celebrated in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, where it marks the culmination of the Durga Puja.
3.End of Evil:
•Dussehra is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, and people observe the festival with the belief that it will help eradicate negativity, obstacles, and evil forces in their lives.

Diwali
2026-11-08 14:00 - 21:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and across the world. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and it is dedicated to the worship of Lord Rama, the goddess Lakshmi, and various other deities depending on regional traditions. The festival generally falls between October and November, on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika.
Significance of Diwali
1.Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya:
•Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas) to welcome Rama home, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
2.Worship of Goddess Lakshmi:
•Diwali is also the day that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, is worshiped. According to tradition, it is on this day that she visits homes that are clean and well-lit, bringing blessings for the coming year.
3.Victory of Good Over Evil:
•Diwali is celebrated as the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time to reflect on removing inner darkness and impurities.
4.The Birth of Lord Krishna (in some regions):
•In some regions of India, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, Diwali is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have defeated the demon Narakasura on this day.
Spiritual and Moral Lessons of Diwali
1.Victory of Good Over Evil:
•Diwali serves as a reminder that good will ultimately triumph over evil, no matter how powerful evil forces may seem. It encourages individuals to purify their hearts and minds and strive for righteousness.
2.Self-Reflection and Renewal:
•The lighting of diyas and the cleaning of homes symbolize the removal of ignorance and the illumination of the soul. Diwali encourages self-reflection, self-improvement, and the removal of negative qualities like pride, greed, and envy.
3.Gratitude and Generosity:
•Diwali is a time for expressing gratitude to loved ones, neighbors, and the community. It emphasizes the importance of giving, sharing, and helping those in need, both materially and spiritually.

Satyanarayana Pooja
2026-12-05 10:00 - 16:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Satyanarayana Pooja is a popular Hindu religious ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Satyanarayana. The name “Satyanarayana” combines two words: “Satya” meaning truth and “Narayana” which is a name of Lord Vishnu, representing the supreme being who is the protector and sustainer of the universe. The pooja is performed to seek blessings for health, wealth, prosperity, peace, and the fulfillment of desires.
Significance of Satyanarayana Pooja
•Divine Blessings: This pooja is believed to bring prosperity, good health, success, and happiness to the devotees. It is often performed when a person or family is beginning a new venture, after completing a significant milestone, or during a time of personal or family need.
•Purification of the Mind and Soul: The pooja helps in cleansing the mind of impurities, and it is believed to rid devotees of negative karma, promoting spiritual well-being.
•Gratitude to Lord Vishnu: It is a way of thanking Lord Vishnu for the blessings received in life and asking for his grace to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Benefits of Performing Satyanarayana Pooja
1.Spiritual and Material Fulfillment: It is believed that performing the Satyanarayana Pooja brings both spiritual and material benefits, such as prosperity, peace, and the fulfillment of desires.
2.Overcoming Obstacles: It is said that Lord Vishnu removes all the obstacles in the devotee’s path, ensuring success and happiness.
3.Blessings for Health: The pooja is often performed to seek blessings for good health and to remove negative energies.
4.Protection and Guidance: The pooja invokes the protection and guidance of Lord Vishnu for the devotee and their family.
