By Air
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the closest and most convenient airport for Gita Fest visitors. Chinmaya Amarnath is approximately a 40–45 minute drive from PIT, depending on traffic. Travelers may also wish to compare fares to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Airfares can occasionally be lower, but IAD is approximately a 3½–4 hour drive from Chinmaya Amarnath, so we recommend considering the additional travel time when comparing options.
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By Car
Chinmaya Amarnath is located at:
358 Mars Valencia Road
Mars, PA 16046
The address is accurately recognized by both Google Maps and Apple Maps. Use the links below for turn-by-turn directions.​​​​​
​​​​​Rental Cars & Rideshare
Rental cars are available at Pittsburgh International Airport, as well as from several locations in the nearby Cranberry Township / Mars area. Uber and Lyft also serve the Cranberry Township and Mars areas, including Chinmaya Amarnath and most of the recommended hotels. Because the temple is located in a suburban area, visitors who plan to travel frequently during their stay may find a rental car more convenient.
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Parking
Chinmaya Amarnath has 125+ parking spaces in the main parking lot in front of the building, along with additional parking behind the building. Event-day signs and volunteers will help direct guests to available parking areas.
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Drop-Off & Accessibility
Elderly guests, guests with disabilities, and participants who need assistance may be dropped off directly in front of the building near the main entrance. ADA-accessible parking spaces are available near the building, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp provides access to the facility.
Welcome to Pittsburgh!
Chinmaya Mission Pittsburgh is delighted to welcome Gita Fest 2026 participants and families to Chinmaya Amarnath.
September 5–6, 2026
Chinmaya Amarnath
358 Mars Valencia Road, Mars, PA 16046
Recommended Area: Cranberry Township / Cranberry Woods
Closest Options: DoubleTree / Comfort Inn / Super 8
Full-Service Marriott Option: Pittsburgh Marriott North
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For most visitors attending programs at Chinmaya Mission, the Cranberry Woods and Route 228 hotel corridor is the most convenient area to stay.
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The Pittsburgh Marriott North is one of the most popular full-service Marriott properties in the Cranberry area and is frequently used for weddings, conferences, and guest room blocks.
Dress Attire
Traditional Indian attire is recommended for Gita Fest, in keeping with the spirit of the Bhagavad Gita chanting program and the sacred temple environment of Chinmaya Amarnath. We request that all participants and guests choose modest, respectful attire appropriate for a temple setting throughout the event.
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Parking
Ample on-site parking is available at Chinmaya Amarnath, with 125+ parking spaces in the main parking lot and additional parking behind the building. Event volunteers will be available to help direct traffic and parking as needed.
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Entrance & Check-In
Please enter the building through the main front entrance. Gita Fest check-in and registration will be located in the Dining Area. Please refer to the building map.
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Accessibility
ADA-accessible parking spaces are available near the building, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp provides convenient access to the facility. Guests who need additional assistance may also be dropped off near the main entrance.
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Shoes & Personal Belongings
Shoes may be worn when entering the building. A Coat Closet and shoe drop-off area is available near the foyer where you can place your shoes.
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Water Stations
Two water dispensers will be available for visitors:
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Near the Men's Restroom in the left-side corridor
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In the Dining Area
We encourage everyone to bring a refillable water bottle and use the water stations throughout the weekend.
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Restrooms
Men's, women's, and family restrooms are available towards the front of the facility. Please refer to the building map for their locations.
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Photography & Videography
Two official photographers will be covering Gita Fest throughout the weekend.
Guests are welcome to take personal photographs and videos as long as doing so does not interfere with the program or other attendees.
Please note: Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the altar area of the Temple. We appreciate everyone's cooperation in maintaining the sanctity of this space.
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Parent Waiting Area
The Dining Area will serve as the primary waiting area for parents and family members.
Discourses and programs taking place in the Auditorium will be streamed live into the Dining Area, allowing families to follow the program while waiting comfortably.
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Information Desk & Lost and Found
The Information Desk will be located in the Foyer and will be staffed by volunteers throughout the event. Please visit the Information Desk for general assistance, directions, event questions, or Lost & Found.
Where Meals Are Served
All Gita Fest meals will be served in the Dining Area at Chinmaya Amarnath.
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Complimentary Meals
Complimentary meals will be provided to all registered Gita Fest participants and their accompanying parents during the meal times included in the event program. Please refer to the Gita Fest program schedule for the scheduled times for Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, lunch, and any other hosted meals.
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Vegetarian & Sattvic Meals
All meals served during Gita Fest will be vegetarian and prepared without onion or garlic, in keeping with the sattvic environment of Chinmaya Amarnath. If you have a food allergy or specific dietary concern, please speak with a sevak in the Dining Area before taking food so that they can assist with available ingredient information.
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Water Stations
Two water dispensers will be available for visitors:
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Near the Men's Restroom in the left-side corridor
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In the Dining Area
We encourage everyone to bring a refillable water bottle and use the water stations throughout the weekend.
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Outside Food
If you choose to bring outside food into Chinmaya Amarnath, please consume it only in the Dining Area. We also request that any outside food brought into the facility be vegetarian and sattvic, and appropriate for a temple environment. Thank you for helping us maintain the cleanliness and sanctity of Chinmaya Amarnath throughout Gita Fest.
The Mars and Cranberry Township area has a wide variety of restaurants, pharmacies, coffee shops, grocery stores, and urgent-care facilities within a short drive of Chinmaya Amarnath and the recommended hotels.
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Because locations and business hours can change, we recommend using Google Maps or Apple Maps during your stay to find the closest option, check current hours, read reviews, and get directions.
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Indian Restaurants
If you would like to dine out during your stay, some of the nearby Indian restaurants include Sankalp, Tamarind, and Hyderabad House. The Cranberry Township area also has many restaurants offering a variety of other cuisines. Google Maps is a convenient way to explore nearby options based on your location, preferences, and available time.
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Pharmacies & Everyday Essentials
Several pharmacies and stores with pharmacy services are available in the surrounding area, including Walgreens, Walmart, and Giant Eagle. For medications or other everyday necessities, we recommend checking Google Maps for the location nearest to you and confirming its current pharmacy hours before visiting.
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Coffee & Breakfast
There are multiple Starbucks and Dunkin' locations throughout the Cranberry Township area, along with a variety of local cafés and breakfast options. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to find the most convenient location near your hotel or along your route to Chinmaya Amarnath.
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Urgent Care
Several urgent-care and walk-in medical facilities are located within a short drive of Chinmaya Amarnath and the Cranberry Township hotel area, including local urgent-care centers and MinuteClinic locations.
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If you need non-emergency medical care during your visit, use Google Maps to locate a nearby facility and confirm its hours and availability before going. For a medical emergency, please call 911.
If you have some free time before or after Gita Fest, Pittsburgh has plenty to explore. Here are a few ideas depending on how much time you have available.
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Have 1–2 Hours?
Spiritual Visit
If you would prefer to spend your free time visiting another temple, the Monroeville area offers two wonderful options:
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Sri Venkateswara Temple (SV Temple) – one of the best-known Hindu temples in the Pittsburgh area
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Chinmaya Sanjeevani – Chinmaya Mission Pittsburgh's Hanuman temple and spiritual center in Monroeville
The two temples are located relatively close to one another, making it possible to visit both during the same outing if time permits.
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Pittsburgh Views
For a classic Pittsburgh experience, visit Mt. Washington and ride the Duquesne Incline for beautiful views of the downtown skyline, rivers, and bridges. Another easy option is Point State Park, located where Pittsburgh's three rivers meet. It is a pleasant place for a short walk and offers wonderful views of downtown and the Point fountain.
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Have Half a Day?
Combine several of Pittsburgh's signature sights into one outing:
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Downtown Pittsburgh → Point State Park → Mt. Washington → Duquesne Incline
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This is a great way to experience Pittsburgh's rivers, bridges, skyline, and unique geography without committing an entire day.
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Traveling With Children?
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Carnegie Science Center – interactive science exhibits and activities for children and families
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Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium – a great option if you have several hours available
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Children's Museum of Pittsburgh – especially enjoyable for younger children
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Looking for Something Peaceful?
Visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for beautiful indoor gardens, seasonal displays, and a relaxing change of pace. Nearby Schenley Park is also a nice option for a walk and some quiet time outdoors.
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A Few Tips
Most major Pittsburgh attractions require some driving from Chinmaya Amarnath. Before heading out, we recommend checking Google Maps or Apple Maps for current travel times, parking information, attraction hours, and admission requirements. For temple visits, please also check the temple's current darshan and opening hours before making the trip.
Competition & Registration Questions
For questions related to Gita Fest registration, competition rules, participant eligibility, schedules, or competition-related matters, please contact your Gita Fest / State Coordinator.
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Pittsburgh & Local Logistics
For questions related to Pittsburgh, hotels, Chinmaya Amarnath, parking, transportation, accessibility, or other local arrangements, please contact the Pittsburgh Host Team.
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Pittsburgh Host Team
Visala Muluk
+1 (724) 612-4866
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Sobhan Padamati
+1 (724) 612-6327
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Satish Muluk
+1 (412) 925-9646
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Ganesh Krishnamurthy
+1 (412) 916-8780
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Sunil Lanka
+1 (612) 442-0331
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Our Pittsburgh Host Team will be happy to assist with local questions before and during Gita Fest weekend.
Where should I park?
Ample on-site parking is available at Chinmaya Amarnath, with more than 125 spaces in the main parking lot and additional parking behind the building. Event volunteers will help direct traffic and parking as needed.
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Which entrance should I use?
Please use the main front entrance to enter Chinmaya Amarnath.
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Where do participants check in?
Gita Fest check-in and registration will be located in the Dining Area.
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Are meals included?
Yes. Complimentary meals will be provided to all registered Gita Fest participants and their accompanying parents during the meal times included in the event program. Please refer to the program schedule for meal timings.
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Can parents remain in the building during the program?
Yes. Parents are welcome to remain at Chinmaya Amarnath. The Dining Area will serve as the primary parent waiting area, and discourses and programs taking place in the Auditorium will be streamed there.
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Is Chinmaya Amarnath wheelchair accessible?
Yes. ADA-accessible parking spaces are available near the building, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp provides access to the facility.
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Can I take photographs or videos?
Yes. Personal photography and videography are welcome as long as they do not interfere with the program or other attendees. Please note that photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the altar area of the Temple.
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Where are the restrooms?
Men's, women's, and family restrooms are located toward the front portion of the building. Please refer to the building map for their exact locations.
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What if we arrive late?
If you arrive after the scheduled check-in time, please proceed to the Information Desk in the Foyer, where a volunteer will assist you.
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Who should I contact during Gita Fest?
For local questions or assistance during the event, please contact a member of the Pittsburgh Host Team listed above. For competition, registration, eligibility, or other Gita Fest program-related questions, please contact your Gita Fest / State Coordinator.
