On Sunday 12th April 2026, at Langley Park in the CBD, Chinmaya Mission Perth will host the Chinmaya Hanuman Festival.
Dr Krishna Lawania, secretary of the Forrestdale-based Perth Mission, describes the upcoming event as: “A celebration of cultural unity for peace and prosperity, a large-scale, free public event at Langley Park East.“
“The festival is expected to attract over 4000 participants from diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds. This will be a first-of-its-kind gathering in Perth, uniquely bringing together spiritual practice, cultural expression, and community connection,” Dr Lawania said.
The free event coincides with the 75th Anniversary of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, a global not-for-profit organisation that describes itself as dedicated to spiritual education, intercultural understanding, and community wellbeing.
Chinmaya Mission has operated in Perth since 1998 but traces its origins back to 1951. A Hindu spiritual organisation, it was founded by former journalist Chinmayananda Saraswati, who wished to extend the knowledge of sacred Hindu texts, such as the ancient Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita.
Saraswati’s legacy can still be felt today, with more than 300 missions worldwide and teaching of the scriptures in multiple languages. He is widely credited with leading a worldwide Hindu renaissance.
It is a very open community that welcomes participation from all religious backgrounds.
The Chinmaya Mission ethos is described as: “Maximum happiness for the maximum number of people for the maximum amount of time,” something all people will understand and relate to.
The festival highlights will include a welcome to country and smoking ceremony, market stalls showcasing local small businesses, community organisation stalls focusing on health, wellbeing, spirituality, and community engagement, performances from local artists and a unique children’s segment that showcases the rich cultural heritage of India. Traditional Indian food will also be available at the event.
Perhaps most notable of all, however, will be the Hanuman Chalisa Havan. Featuring 108 ceremonial fires, with hundreds chanting collectively for universal peace and harmony, this ritual is performed to alleviate troubles and bring happiness and prosperity. Using a mixture of sesame seeds, barley, rice, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits, an offering is made after each couplet with a mantra, which brings positive energy.
Chinmaya Mission believes this will be the largest chant of the Hanuman Chalisa in Perth’s history.
Swami Swaroopananda, the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, will also be attending the event.
The Perth Mission has emphasised that: “Opportunities to hear from this spiritual leader, who also leads an extensive international not-for-profit organisation, are rare in Perth.”
Perth contains two Chinmaya mission centres, in Leederville and Forrestdale. Registration for the festival can be found at https://perth.hanumanhavan.com/. For all those interested in spiritual enlightenment, Chinmaya Mission runs a variety of workshops and activities focused on personal development in the Hindu tradition.
