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Hindu Mandir of Minnesota
Hindu Mandir of Minnesota
A Weekend of Learning & Reflection
A Weekend of Learning & Reflection
Join HSMN/HATS, in partnership with Hindu University of America, for a special weekend exploring the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads through two engaging community events for children, teens, adults, and families.
On Saturday, November 14, discover how ancient Hindu teachings can guide everyday decisions, relationships, and personal growth through Leadership Begins Within, a free, interactive community workshop focused on self-awareness, purposeful action, and leading by example.
On Sunday, November 15, participate in the Bhagavad Gita Pariksha, an age-appropriate learning experience for ages 4 and up. Welcoming participants of all skill levels, the Pariksha emphasizes understanding, reflection, and applying the teachings of the Gita — not just memorization.
Whether you attend one event or both, we invite you and your family to learn, reflect, and discover how these timeless teachings remain relevant in our everyday lives.
Free Community Learning Workshop
Free Community Learning Workshop
Leadership Begins Within: Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita & Upanishads
What if the wisdom that guides us through life's difficult decisions could also help us become better friends, family members, colleagues, and community leaders?
Leadership isn't just about titles or positions — it's reflected in how we respond to challenges, make choices, and interact with others every day. Whether at school, work, home, or in our communities, we all encounter moments that call for clarity, patience, and good judgment.
Drawing on the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, this interactive workshop explores the inner foundations of leadership — self-awareness, equanimity, a sense of duty, and purposeful action.
Through relatable real-life scenarios, guided reflection, and open discussion, participants of all ages will explore how these teachings can strengthen relationships, inspire thoughtful action, and help us lead by example in everyday life.
Event Information
Event Information
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM–6:30 PM
Location: Hindu Mandir of Minnesota
Registration Fee: FREE
Chai provided
About the Pariksha
About the Pariksha
All skill levels are welcome - this is a learning opportunity, not just an exam
All skill levels are welcome - this is a learning opportunity, not just an exam
Participants can expect a welcoming, age-appropriate Pariksha experience designed to encourage learning, reflection, and confidence. This is a learning opportunity, not just an exam, and participants are not expected to come in as experts.
Younger children will participate through shloka recitation and simple explanation, while older students and adults will have a written portion followed by selected oral/interview-style rounds. The focus is not only on memorization, but also on understanding the meaning, values, and practical lessons of the Bhagavad Gita in everyday life.
Leading up to the event, HUA and HSMN will also offer preparation materials and optional education sessions to help participants learn, review, and build confidence in their understanding of the Bhagavad Gita before the Pariksha.
Whether participants are new to the Bhagavad Gita or have studied it before, the Pariksha is designed to be encouraging and supportive.
Sunday Pariksha Details
Sunday Pariksha Details
Event Information
Event Information
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–2:30 PM
Location: Hindu Mandir of Minnesota
Registration Fee: $35 per participant
Current HATS Students: $10 per participant
Snacks and lunch will be provided for registered participants.
Family and friends are welcome to attend and support participants during the event.
Who Can Register & Participate:
Who Can Register & Participate:
Ages 4-8 - Group Parikshit
Ages 9-13 - Group Abhimanyu
Ages 14-21 - Group Arjuna
Ages 22+ - Group Bheeshma
General Pariksha Format:
General Pariksha Format:
Group Parikshit: Oral recitation and simple explanation
Groups Abhimanyu, Arjuna, Bheeshma: Written portion and selected oral/interview-style rounds
Awards and recognition available for each category, with prizes up to $500
Preparation & Optional Virtual Sessions:
Preparation & Optional Virtual Sessions:
Preparation materials will be provided in advance to registered participants.
Optional virtual sessions will also be offered to help participants understand the format, review key concepts, and feel more confident in their understanding of the Bhagavad Gita before the Pariksha. Join details will be sent directly to registered participants.
These sessions are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended.
For anyone who registers after any of these sessions have taken place, the recording will be shared with them afterwards
Session 1: Orientation Session — Wednesday, October 21, 6:00–7:00 PM
Session 2: Youth & Adult Separate Sessions — Friday, October 30, 6:00–7:00 PM
Session 3: Youth & Adult Separate Sessions — Friday, November 6, 6:00–7:00 PM
Volunteer on Pariksha Day
Volunteer on Pariksha Day
We will need volunteers to help make the November 15 Gita Pariksha run smoothly. Volunteer support may be needed for check-in, guiding participants, room support, food/lunch coordination, setup, cleanup, and general event assistance.
If you are available to help on the day of the event, please complete the volunteer interest form below.
Support the Gita Pariksha
Support the Gita Pariksha
We welcome families and community members who would like to help support this meaningful learning event. Sponsorships and contributions can help cover participant materials, snacks, lunch, awards, and other day-of event needs.
If you would like to sponsor or contribute, please contact: education@hsmn.org
Last updated: 10/10/2026
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