Supporting Community & Culture

Celebrating Indian culture through art, dance, and music while giving back to our community through selfless service (seva). Join us in preserving our rich heritage and making a positive impact on our community.

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About Srivari Foundation

Dedicated to serving our community and preserving our cultural heritage

Srivari Foundation is a registered non-profit organization in New Jersey, dedicated to fostering Indian cultural heritage through traditional art forms like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, while actively engaging in community service to give back to our community.

Our foundation is built on the principles of seva (selfless service), dharma (righteousness), and community unity. We celebrate our rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and art, while making a meaningful difference in our community through charitable activities, spiritual guidance, and cultural enrichment. We believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much.

Indian cultural heritage - community and tradition

Our Leadership

Trustees

  • Vijayaraghavan Poondi
  • Jaghannathan Yamuna
  • Balaji Ramanujam
  • Kesavan Kannan
  • Srinath Nallan
  • Sriram Venkatesan
  • Narayanan Srikumar
Director, Community Affairs

Vijayalakshmi Venkatesan

Under her leadership, a team of service-oriented youths will be identified and initiated as Foundation Volunteers to offer community service. They will be trained to follow the Mission and Vision of Srivari Foundation.

Traditional Indian culture - dance and music
๐ŸŽฏ Mission

Our Mission

A non-profit organization committed to fostering Indian cultural heritage by providing a platform for traditional art forms such as Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, showcasing the richness and beauty of Indian culture while serving as a unifying thread for the Indian community. We are dedicated to serving the Indian community through initiatives rooted in cultural values, including charitable activities, spiritual guidance, and cultural enrichment.

Indian traditional ceremonies and temple
๐ŸŒŸ Vision

Our Vision

To provide a dedicated space to host and perform all Indian traditional functions such as Marriages, Seemandham, and Upanayanam, while also creating a platform to promote and celebrate our rich cultural heritage, including Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music performances. We envision providing opportunities for promotion of Indian traditional values such as Vedic teachings, meditation, and facilities for the performance of various Indian traditional ceremonies and functions.

Community service and seva - giving back
โค๏ธ Values

Our Values

Seva (Selfless Service) - Giving back to our community through charitable activities and volunteer work. Dharma (Righteousness) - Following the path of righteousness in all our endeavors. Community Unity - Bringing people together through cultural celebrations and shared values. Cultural Preservation - Celebrating and preserving Indian art, dance, music, and traditions. Compassionate Giving - Supporting those in need with empathy and care.

Our Activities

Making a difference in our community, one initiative at a time

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BackPack Drive

Franklin Township, Somerset, NJ

Providing essential school supplies to children in need, ensuring every child has the tools they need to succeed in their education.

2025
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Food Drive

Somerset, NJ

Organizing food drives to support families in need within our community, ensuring no one goes hungry.

2025
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Soup Kitchen

Community Programs

Our volunteer team organizes soup kitchen programs to provide nutritious meals to those in need in our community.

2026
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Community Service Programs

Various Locations, NJ

Our volunteers engage in community service including cleaning community parks, reading books for residents in blind schools, and visiting senior citizens in adult care facilities.

2026
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Education & Food Assistance

New Jersey

We provide food assistance and support education for underprivileged children, helping improve their lives through access to education and nutrition.

2026

Events

Community drives, cultural celebrations, and spiritual traditions

Community Drives

Srivari Foundation's Backpack Drive 2025 - August 10-31

Srivari Foundation's Backpack Drive 2025!

๐Ÿ“… August 10 โ€“ August 31, 2025

Donate school supplies to support Franklin Township children. Help us collect 100 backpacks for students in need. Backpacks will be handed over to Assemblyman Joe Danielson.

Items needed: Notebooks, binders, pencils, pens, erasers, crayons, markers, rulers, folders, glue sticks, calculators, socks, shoes, post-its, pencil bags, lunch bags, facial tissues, and more.

Drop-off: Prasaadham Hall, Srivari Sri Balaji Temple.

Canโ€™t drop off? Contribute via Zelle: 732-762-5026. Suggested in multiples of $30. Please mention โ€œSriVari Backpackโ€ in the Zelle remarks. Volunteers will buy items on your behalf.

๐Ÿ“ž Questions? Viji Venkatesan, Director, Community Affairs โ€” ssbtfoundation@gmail.com | (201) 390-3405

SriVari Foundation Food Drive - November 1-22

Food Drive

๐Ÿ“… November 1 โ€“ 22

You can help fight hunger! Please donate canned and non-perishable food* to benefit those in need (e.g., beans, soup, water, juice, baby formula). *Help us maintain the sanctity of the temple by donating vegetarian food only.

๐Ÿ“ Drop-off: Prasadham Hall, SriVari Sri Balaji Temple
619, Elizabeth Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873
Phone: (732) 762-5026

โ€œAnnadaanam Samam Daanam Trilokeshu Na Vidhayateโ€ โ€” There is no charity in the three worlds comparable to Annadaanam (the gift of food).

๐Ÿ“ž Questions? Viji Venkatesan, Director, Community Affairs โ€” ssbtfoundation@gmail.com | (201) 390-3405

Cultural & Spiritual Events

SAMPRADAYA GOVINDA NAMA SANKIRTAN - January 31, 2026

SAMPRADAYA GOVINDA NAMA SANKIRTAN

๐Ÿ“… Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

๐Ÿ“ SriVari Sri Balaji Temple
619, Elizabeth Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873

๐ŸŽต By Hari Bagavathar & Ensemble of Nada Brahmam, NJ

Join us to immerse in Hari Bhakti through devotional chanting and music. Experience the divine through traditional Nama Sankirtan.

๐Ÿ“ž For enquiries: (732) 287-9062

SEETHA KALYANA MAHOTSAVAM - March 28 & 29, 2026

SEETHA KALYANA MAHOTSAVAM

๐Ÿ“… Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

๐Ÿ“ SriVari Sri Balaji Temple
619, Elizabeth Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873

๐ŸŽต By NJ Sri Swaminatha Bhagavathar & Group

Day 1 Program: Guru Keerthanam, Sampradaya Ashtapadi, Abhanga Divyanama-sankeerthanam and Dolothsavam

Day 2 Program: Unchavrithi, Guru Keerthanam, Ashtapadi, Muthukuthal, Seetha Kalyana Utsavam, Pujai and Anjaneya Utsavam

Participate & enjoy the Mahotsavam - a grand celebration of the divine union of Seetha and Rama.

๐Ÿ“ž For enquiries: (732) 287-9062

๐ŸŽ‰ Join us for these sacred celebrations! Your presence and participation make these events meaningful. All are welcome to experience the beauty of our cultural and spiritual traditions.

Our Impact

Together, we're making a meaningful difference

Building a Stronger Community Through Seva

Through our various initiatives rooted in Indian cultural values, we've been able to:

  • โœ… Support local families through food and backpack drives - giving back to our community
  • โœ… Preserve and celebrate Indian cultural heritage through Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and traditional art forms
  • โœ… Support temple operations and religious activities that bring our community together
  • โœ… Foster community unity through cultural events, music, and dance performances
  • โœ… Create opportunities for volunteers to practice seva (selfless service) and make a positive impact
  • โœ… Provide education and food assistance to underprivileged children
  • โœ… Organize community service programs including soup kitchens, park cleaning, and visits to senior care facilities

Your support helps us continue and expand these vital programs. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving our culture and serving our community.

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Community Service

Engaging in meaningful service projects that directly benefit our neighbors in New Jersey

๐Ÿชท

Cultural Activities

Preserving and sharing our rich cultural heritage with the broader community

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Temple Support

Supporting the operations and activities of the Srivari Sri Balaji Temple

Become a Volunteer

Join us in making a difference! Your time and skills can help us serve the community better.

Why Volunteer with Us? Practice Seva (Selfless Service)

Volunteering with Srivari Foundation is a rewarding experience rooted in the Indian tradition of seva (selfless service). Join us to:

  • โœ… Give Back to the Community - Make a meaningful impact through soup kitchens, food drives, and community service programs
  • โœ… Preserve Indian Culture - Support cultural events featuring Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and traditional ceremonies
  • โœ… Support Education - Help underprivileged children through backpack drives and educational assistance
  • โœ… Serve the Elderly - Visit and spend time with senior citizens in adult care facilities
  • โœ… Community Cleanup - Participate in cleaning community parks and public spaces
  • โœ… Cultural Events - Help organize and support temple activities and cultural celebrations
  • โœ… Connect with Community - Build meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals who value seva and dharma
  • โœ… Spiritual Growth - Experience personal growth through selfless service and community engagement

Fill out the form to let us know how you'd like to contribute through seva. We'll get back to you soon and help you find meaningful ways to give back to the community!

Volunteer Registration

We'll review your application and contact you within 2-3 business days. Thank you for your interest!

Get In Touch

We'd love to hear from you. Join us in making a difference!

๐Ÿ“

Location

Somerset, New Jersey
United States

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Temple

Srivari Sri Balaji Temple
Somerset, NJ

๐Ÿ“ž

Phone

732-762-5026
(Poondi Mama)

๐Ÿ’ณ

Zelle (Donations)

732-287-9062

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Website

srivarifoundation.org