CHARM 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the event being conducted, CHARM, a Hindu event?
No, it is a multi faith event. People of all faiths are welcome and will be invited.
What is the intent and purpose of conducting this event?
This event is a sacred fire ritual known as a Yagna. These Yagnas have been
performed in India from times immemorial and are a service to heal Mother Nature
and transform human nature. It is believed that when the mantras (timeless Vedic
hymns) are chanted as part of the Yagna and offerings made in the fire to the
Lord, the Grace of the Lord is showered on the people. The fire offerings purify
the crops and as a result sanctify the consumed food leading to the sanctification
of all people.
What are the core components of the CHARM event?
The CHARM event worships both the feminine and masculine aspects of the
Creator and the Creation. The two core Vedic compositions that are chanted to
achieve this purpose are the Sri Rudram, worshiping the masculine aspect, and
Devi Mahatmyam, worshiping the feminine aspect.
What is Ati Rudra Maha Yajna?
Ati Rudra Maha Yajna is a major undertaking. It involves chanting of Sri Rudram, a
centerpiece of the entire Vedas, 14,641 times. A single recitation of Sri Rudram
consists of 22 chapters and takes about 40 minutes. Offerings to Fire while
reciting Sri Rudram purifies the individual at all levels including body, mind and
intellect
What is Chandi? Why is this combined with Rudram?
Chandi is a synonym for the feminine aspect of Divine Consciousness that is
omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. It is the worship of the feminine in a
structured way that helps in cleansing us of various negative traits resulting in
purity and unity of the inner and outer nature of one’s own Self. By performing
Chandi along with Rudram, we are praying to both the masculine and feminine
forms of all creation and the created.
Who is Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba?
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the embodiment of Shiva Shakti, the Divine
Father and Mother in one form. Bhagavan Baba has steered mankind towards
Vedas in a significant way.
Have these Yajnas been performed before anywhere in the US?
Yes. The group that is performing this event has previously held these events in
Atlanta, Ga. (2014), Sacramento, Ca (April 2022) and Memphis TN (June/July
2023). Earlier, in the years between 2015 and 2021, they performed these Yajnas
in several places in India including in the Himalayas. One is going to take place in
Durban South Africa in April 2024.
What are the other details regarding the event?
Religious heads of local churches, temples and mosques will also be invited to this
multi-faith event. Invitations to other dignitaries such as state assembly members,
senators, local fire, police and sanitary heads, mayor are also being planned.
Also planned is offsite parking for visitors. Approximately 600 visitors are
expected to attend the event on a daily basis.
The event is planned to be in complete compliance with local laws and regulations
with regards to fire and health safety
What Airport should I book my tickets to?
The closest international airport is Liberty international Airport, Newark (EWR).
Next closest is Philadelphia (PHL)
There is a very small airport closest to the event (Trenton Mercer Airport (TTN)) but it is serviced only by Frontier Airlines, considered inexpensive but also unpredictable.
By Rail: Amtrak. The closest Amtrak stations to the hotel are Princeton Junction (8 miles/14 mins), Trenton(20 miles/26 mts,), Metro Park station (28 miles/33 mts) and Philadelphia. 47 miles/56 mins
Are there any special privileges for Ritwiks like reimbursement for expenses, etc?
All participants including Ritwiks are responsible for their travel costs. We are looking into shared accommodations free of cost upon special request and first come-serve basis. Food Prasādam will be provided free of cost for the devotees and families attending the entire event.
How much would it cost for travel and accommodation?
Travel costs depend on where you are coming from and the mode of transportation. For general planning purposes, you should budget $200 per day per hotel room (accommodating 1 to 4) and transportation.
When should I arrive and when can I depart?
All Ritwiks are requested to arrive no later than July 13 at 10 AM and stay till at least 4 PM Sunday July 21.
What are the Visa requirements for travel to USA?
This depends on your nationality and country of residence. For more information, please visit
Travel.State.Gov
What about local transportation?
Your transportation from the airport to the hotel is on you via Uber or other transport of personal choice. We are working on the logistics of transportation for the Ritwiks and Full Time Volunteers / Devotees from the hotel to the event site at specific times at cost. We also encourage ritwiks and full-time volunteers attending as groups to rent 12- or 15-seater vans for their transportation. All others are responsible for their own transportation to event. The vans can drop off passengers at the event site and park it at Howell Middle School North at 501 Squankum-Yellowbrook Rd, Farmingdale, NJ 07727. Others who drive locally should also go to the school parking lot from where they will be transported to the site by vans manned by volunteers.
What are the accommodation options?
We have found one discounted national chain hotel for the event, which can accommodate all Registered full timers. There is ample free parking in hotel premises. The details will be shared shortly for the guests to make their own reservations. Additionally, we are also exploring shared accommodation at a few houses. This would be limited to full time Ritwiks that are joining the event alone (not for extended family members). All information about hotel and reservations will be shared in due course.
If you are registering as Ritwik, kindly do not book your own accommodation at other hotels as it would be difficult to coordinate transportation logistics. All Ritwiks, if they have more than 30 min commute, they must stay with other Ritwiks. This will ensure arrival and presence of all the Ritwiks on time for the scheduled spiritual program.
How can I know who else is coming from my area? Is there a plan to communicate within locations / group?
We have announced Local Leads for each area. Your Local Lead will be the go-to for questions regarding the event and group spiritual activities, etc.
How is the weather during this period?
Average weather forecast for July in Farmingdale, NJ is warm to hot with 80 F / 27 C in lows and 90 F / 32 C highs and 70% humidity. AccuWeather Website
However, based on experience of several ARMYs and CHARMs, the weather is unpredictable with rain and colder weather anticipated. Be prepared accordingly!
Contact Information
Sarva Dharma Service Center | 144 W Farms Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727 USA
charm2024@saiservice.org | +1-740-CHARM24 (242-7624)
