Chenda Melam
Answer the primordial call of Kerala's temple drums, sounded to summon devotees to prayer for centuries.
Sing Gita, Live Gita
Sunday, 6 September 2026 · 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM PT · PayPal Park Epicenter, San Jose
Program Flow
The Journey
1:00 – 7:00 PM
The Gita Mela
Eighteen interactive pavilions, for experiencing each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
1:00 PM | 2:15 PM | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM
Gita Conversations
- Brni. Sandhya Chaitanya, CM Bakersfield
- Brni. Aparna Pateria, CM Orlando
- Brni. Sahana Rao, CM Peoria
- Br. Raajivve Sookdeo, CM Trinidad
Four immersive conversations on the Bhagavad Gita, led by Chinmaya Mission Brahmacharins across the Gita Mela.
1:15 – 2:15 PM
Bhajans and Beats
by the BayRaagis
North and South Indian ragas, khayal and bhajan with jazz and folk, by the Bay Area's Indian classical fusion collective.
2:30 – 2:45 PMIntermission and refreshments. The Gita Mela continues.
2:45 – 3:30 PM
Bhakti Tarang
Orchestral Bhajans and Dance
Feat. The Chinmaya Band
A high-energy orchestral bhajan performance, layered with dance.
3:45 – 4:30 PMIntermission and refreshments. The Gita Mela continues.
4:45 – 5:00 PMIntermission and refreshments.
5:00 – 6:15 PM
The Grand Devotional Extravaganza
Feat. Shri Mahesh Kale
Raag, natya sangeet and devotional music by the winner of India's 63rd National Film Award for Best Playback Singer.
6:15 – 7:00 PMIntermission and refreshments.
7:00 PM onwards
The Finale
In the sacred presence of Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, and Swami Shantananda, President, Chinmaya Mission West & Chinmaya Mission San Jose.
Guru Vandanam
Witness Mohiniyattam, the classical dance of Kerala, offered in gratitude by Smt. Bindu Pratap and the dancers of Nritanjali Dance Academy.
The Grand Collective Chant
Join thousands in chanting the Gita Panchamrit and Chapter 15, Purushottama Yoga, in which the Lord reveals that beyond all that changes, the eternal Self alone is.
Life and Legacy
Watch the AI-generated short film on the life of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, by Shri Mani Shankar, narrated by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda.
Words of Grace
Receive an address from Pujya Swami Swaroopananda.
The Bhagavad Gita Game Show
Experience an awe-inspiring demonstration of the power of the mind by young students of the Gita.
Chinmaya Pledge and Aarti
Take the collective pledge, followed by the offering of the flame to the divinity that is the source of all.