About VSNA & VCTF
Preserving Veerashaiva-Lingayat heritage through youth talent, community service, and cultural education across North America.
Veerashaiva Samaja of North America
501(c)(3) Non-Profit · Founded 1978VSNA (Veerashaiva Samaja of North America) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1978. With 21 chapters, 285+ life members, and 2,000+ families across USA and Canada, VSNA is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and propagation of the way of life depicted by Basaveshwara.
VSNA is the only matha or group in North America, along with more than thirty shakha mathas (chapters), where members join together from nearly five decades to perform Ishtalinga Pooja and celebrate the Veerashaiva-Lingayat way of life. The organization is dedicated to preserving and propagating the faith, values, and legacy depicted by Basaveshwara and the Basavadi-Sharanas.
Veerashaiva-Lingayat International Center
VIRC · Established 1999 · Service Arm of VSNAThe VIRC (Veerashaiva-Lingayat International Center) is an integral part of VSNA, established in 1999. As the service arm of VSNA, VIRC is responsible for conducting long-term programs — faith-based, children's educational, and community service-oriented — to guide, cherish, and inculcate the true meaning and significance of Vachanas along with the practice of our faith.
VIRC Mission
- Serve all members and specifically children to enhance their understanding of Vachanas along with Veerashaiva-Lingayat beliefs.
- Conduct long-term programs and activities to guide, cherish, realize and inculcate the true meaning and significance of Vachanas.
- Create spiritual awareness, fellowship and kinship among all Veerashaiva-Lingayats by networking with international organizations.
- Preserve, protect and propagate the Basavadi-Sharanas messages along with the Veerashaiva-Lingayat heritage and legacy at international level.
- Build and maintain an online Library and Resources related to the Veerashaiva-Lingayat way of life and Basavadi-Sharanas teachings.
VIRC Long-Term Programs & Activities
VSNA Children's Talent Festival
VCTF by VIRC · Ages 5–18+The VSNA Children Talent Festival (VCTF) is an annual celebration organized by VIRC that brings together youth from across North America to showcase their talents in traditional and contemporary art forms rooted in Veerashaiva Lingayat culture. The festival spans 8 competition categories and welcomes children aged 5 through 18+.
Competition Categories
Contact VCTF Committee
For questions about registrations, submissions, or the festival, reach out to us.
Email the VCTF team