Build your own Ganapati Bappa & Celebrate Ganeshotsav!
| Build Ganesha & Learn Puja Vidhi | August 25, 2025 6-7PM |
| Ganapati Procession & Visarjan | September 7, 2025 after Assembly |
| Location: | “Chinmaya Haridwar” 3551 NE John Olsen Ave |
upload the Annual Sponsorship RECEIPT 25-26 to participate |
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Hari OM!
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great energy and devotion across India. On this auspicious day, devotees create Ganesha idols and place them in their homes or public spaces. The idols are worshipped daily with all the traditional rituals, and on Anant Chaturdashi, they are taken in a grand procession for immersion in a water body.
The highlight of the festival is the Ganesh Visarjan, symbolizing the cycle of creation and dissolution in Hindu philosophy—a reminder of life’s impermanence and renewal.
Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in an environmentally friendly way is a meaningful and responsible approach. This year, our talented Bala Vihar student, Pranav, will guide us in building a Ganesha idol, while our Haridwar Puja team will teach us the proper daily prayers.
Not an annual sponsor yet? Here’s your chance to become our sponsor and fully participate in all the festivities! Click here to join. Once you upload your annual sponsorship donation receipt, we’ll send you all the event details by email.
During the processions, proceeding with the immersion, devotees chant:
| गणपती बाप्पा मोरया पुढच्या वर्षी लवकर या गणपती बाप्पा मोरया मंगलमुर्ती मोरया |
| “Ganpati bappa morya, Pudhchya warshi lavkar ya Ganpati baapa morya, Mangalmurti morya!” |
| Meaning: |
| Ganesha is the Lord of all (Ganpati) and a father (Bappa), The one who leads from the front (Morya) return soon (Lavkar) next (Pudhcha) year (Warshi) Ganpati whose form (Murti) is the bestower of serenity and one who makes things ‘auspicious’ or ‘pure’ (Mangal) |
If you have never heard of Ganeshotsav, watch this 4-minute clip:
Trinidad Trip Nov 23rd – 29th, 2025, Register Today!
Trinidad serves as a time capsule, preserving ancient Hindu practices and rituals, enriched by a joyful blend of Caribbean rhythms.
– Swami Prakashananda
Questions? send mail to tt25@cmportland.org
To register your spot, please complete the registration process and submit the fee of $800 per person. This fee encompasses accommodation, meals, and local transportation throughout the trip. Airfare and the uber fare from the airport to Ashram are not included. You may choose to book your flights separately or explore traveling with us.
Please note:
Individuals with mobility or health concerns may need to remain flexible regarding room assignments and potential roommates.
Until we receive your payment in full, your trip is not confirmed and do not book tickets until we reachout with the details.
Swami Prakashanandaji has personally invited us to visit Trinidad in November 2025, coinciding with Thanksgiving week. This is an incredible opportunity and there are only limited spots available, register today!
Trinidad, often dubbed the gem of the southern Caribbean, awaits us with its captivating beaches, ancient temples, and thrilling adventures. Join us for a group expedition where we’ll delve into new experiences, expand our horizons, and absorb knowledge that promises an unforgettable journey.
Our itinerary, which you can help plan by joining our team early, will be packed with visits to revered pilgrimage sites such as the “Temple in the Sea,” the towering 85-foot Hanumanji statue, and the serene Chinmaya ashram & Vidyalaya. These historical marvels not only offer breathtaking views but also narratives to ponder upon and insights to absorb.
As a finale to our adventure, we’ll trek up Tapovanam Hill, winding through the rainforest to reach the ashram at its peak. Traveling in Jeeps and pickup trucks, we’ll relish an incredible vista and experience.
With numerous sights to behold, ample moments for reflection, and a plethora of activities to engage in, this trip promises to be enriching in every way! As a crowning glory, Swami Prakashanandaji has offered to be there throughout the trip, conducting one Vedanta class in the morning and a Ramayana session in the evening for our spiritual upliftment.
Transforming Finite Contributions into an Infinite Impact
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In 2023, we joyfully celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda’s blessing, when our center was graced with the sacred name Chinmaya Haridwar. In October 2026, we will mark a historic milestone—the Amrit Mahotsav (75th year) of the Chinmaya Movement. On this momentous occasion, we are reaching out to you, our valued supporter, with an exciting opportunity to create a lasting impact.
Why is your contribution to Chinmaya Mission Portland (CMP) so vital? Because it goes beyond a simple donation. It’s a statement of your commitment to growing our Chinmaya family and a tangible expression of your belief in the power of collective giving. Join hands with us to create a debt-free community space! Contribute today to pay off the loan on our beloved center and ensure a brighter, more secure future for us all.
Since 1996, more than a hundred Bala Vihar children have graduated from Chinmaya Mission Portland, making our center a proud pillar of this community. Our commitment is reflected in the heartfelt service of our Bala Vihar students, who dedicate themselves to preparing weekly meals for the homeless shelter, organizing quarterly street cleanups, leading impactful environmental awareness initiatives, and providing free English tutoring for immigrant families—just a few examples of our ongoing community outreach.
Together, let us honor Chinmaya Haridwar’s meaningful journey and support our cause: Vedanta in Action — Celebrating 75 Years of the Chinmaya Movement. With the collective strength of our sankalpa, we aspire to raise $500,000 to make our facility debt-free—an offering of love and gratitude to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.
We’re raising funds to support Chinmaya Mission. Every social media or email call helps us reach more people and multiply impact.
How to Create Your Own Fundraising Page for Chinmaya Mission Portland
1. Go to the Campaign Page
Open your browser and visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cmportland
2. Click “Fundraise for us”
On the campaign page, look for the button that says “Fundraise for us” and click it.
3. Sign In or Create a JustGiving Account
– If you already have a JustGiving account, click Sign In.
– If you’re new, click Sign Up to create an account (it only takes a minute).
4. Choose Your Fundraising Type
JustGiving will ask how you want to fundraise. Select the option that best fits your plan (for example, “Personal challenge,” “Birthday,” or “Other creative idea”).
5. Set Your Fundraising Goal
Decide how much you aim to raise. Even a small goal helps the mission! Enter your target amount in the space provided.
6. Create Your Fundraising Page Name
Give your page a personal touch, e.g., “[Your Name] for Chinmaya Mission Portland”.
7. Write Your Story
Add a short message about why you’re raising funds for Vedanta in Action: Amrit Mahotsav of Chinmaya Movement. You can use parts of the campaign message:
“I’m supporting Chinmaya Mission Portland to help Bala Vihar children, community programs, and spiritual initiatives. Join me in making an impact!”
8. Add a Photo or Video (Optional)
Personalize your page with a photo of yourself, your family, or something meaningful to the mission. It helps inspire donors.
9. Preview and Create Your Page
Review your information. If everything looks good, click “Create Your Page”.
10. Share Your Page
Once your page is live, share it with friends, family, and your network via email, WhatsApp, or social media. Encourage them to support your fundraising efforts!
Challenge your network to match your donation or beat your contribution amount. Together, we can turn individual acts of kindness into a collective force for good.
Your support for Chinmaya Mission Portland is not just a donation; it’s an investment in positive transformation—enriching individual lives, promoting spiritual and cultural values, and enhancing community well-being. We believe in the power of collective giving to bring meaningful change, and we’re grateful to have you as part of our community.
Let’s make this year a celebration of generosity and positive change!
FREE tutoring for qualifying ELL students (Translate)
| What: | Free Tutoring |
| When: | In-Person on Sundays |
| Location: | 3551 NE John Olsen Ave Hillsboro OR 97124 |
For English Language Learners (ELL) All-Ages! |
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Language is a major barrier for many immigrant students. As part of our community service, we offer in-person, one-on-one support to help them feel confident in seeking assistance. Supervised high school students tutor English language learners (ELLs) of all ages, if your family’s annual income is below $55,000. Please fill out the form below to register.
Join our Shadras Kitchen Team and Share the Joy of Cooking!
Hari OM!
Are you passionate about food and love bringing people together through delicious meals? We’re calling on all culinary enthusiasts and food lovers to signup to cook for Shadras! Together, let’s create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where we can nurture both our bodies and our spirits.
📅 Schedule: We’re looking for volunteers who can commit to cooking sessions once a year, make it an offering on your special day or in memory of someone passed.
🍲 What’s Cooking: Bring your regional favorites! From soul-warming Sunday lunch to homeless shelter cooking and special events, our kitchen is always abuzz with opportunities to prepare delightful meals for our Chinmaya family and beyond. Share your culinary skills and explore new flavors as we create memorable lunch experiences.
✨ Why Volunteer with Us: By signing up to cook at Shadras, you’ll experience the joy of serving others and fostering a sense of community. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, expand your culinary repertoire, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
🆓 No Experience Necessary: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, we welcome everyone! Our experienced volunteers and kitchen staff will provide training, guidance, and support every step of the way. All you need is a passion for cooking and a desire to make a positive impact.
🙏 Sign Up Today: Ready to embark on this adventure? Sign up now for the upcoming academic year, with your preferred date (Sundays from September 7th 2025 to June 14 2026). Please be flexible with the date as there could be some schedule shuffling later on. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to share your love for cooking and serve our Chinmaya community!
For any inquiries or further information, email us at – contact [at] cmportland [dot] org!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to cook with us. Together, let’s create a nourishing and loving environment that brings us closer as a Chinmaya family.
Cooking for Homeless Shelter continues
| When: | Every Saturday |
| Location: | “Chinmaya Haridwar” 3551 NE John Olsen Ave |
Volunteering Opportunity Exclusively For Our Sponsors!Signup Required |
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Develop noble and enduring qualities. Watch in others for weaknesses that you should guard against, in yourself. Love all. Serve all. Love creates and lust destroys the peace in the heart of man.
– Swami Chinmayananda
Hari OM!
On Saturdays, we cook for a homeless shelter…
Since 2013, we have partnered with Transition Projects to support Portland’s most vulnerable residents. Every Saturday, volunteers cook and serve meals at a homeless shelter, providing for around 100-120 residents. Few service projects have such an immediate impact or offer as meaningful and personal an experience as preparing and serving a meal to those in need.
We invite you to sponsor a Saturday meal for the shelter ($250) through the button below. Your contribution will serve as dedicated seed funding for this essential work. Don’t forget to check with your employer about matching grants—they can double the impact of your donation today!
Thank you for your kindness & generosity in advance!
Please pick the area to volunteer
Who is a Yajmaan?
Hinduism places great importance on rituals, ceremonies, and pujas, where devotees seek blessings through offerings. In traditional practice, a “Yajmaan” serves as the patron of a puja or yajna, supporting the priest who conducts the ritual. The word “Yajmaan” comes from the Sanskrit root “Yaj,” meaning worship, and typically refers to the head of a family or community leading the sacrificial ceremony. After the puja, the Yajmaan offers Dakshina (a donation) to the priest, marking the completion of the ceremony.
At Chinmaya Mission, we strive to make these sacred rituals accessible to all. At Chinmaya Mission Portland, a different family is honored as the Yajmaan for each puja. The Yajmaan begins the ceremony with a “Sankalpa,” a firm, positive resolution or prayer offered to the Lord. They bring offerings such as flowers, fruits, and naivedyam (food offerings), and conclude by making a tax-deductible donation to the mission at the feet of Madhur Krishna, as an expression of gratitude. In return, the Yajmaan receives blessings and Puja Prasad from the priest, deepening their connection to the divine and inviting wisdom and positive energy.
Rest assured—our Festival team works closely with the Yajmaan every step of the way to ensure the experience is meaningful and enjoyable for all.
Upload Sponsorship Donation Receipt
Please note that we are an all-volunteer organization, with our team members balancing daytime jobs to keep our overhead costs at zero. This ensures that 100% of your annual sponsorship goes directly towards maintaining the Chinmaya Haridwar building and its programs. Since tracking annual sponsorships requires considerable time, we would greatly appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. Closing it quickly will allow our volunteers to continue serving Chinmaya Mission Portland in the best possible way.