Dear Devotees,
We are delighted to announce that a 4-day Spiritual Retreat will be held from 21st - 24th November 2026 at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora.
Here's a summary of the Retreat:
| Speaker | Topic | |
| 1 | Swami Raghavendrananda Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Nagpur | Bhakti-Yoga of Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, 12) |
| 2 | Swami Mayadheeshananda Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora | Narada Bhakti-Sutra |
| 3 | Sri Jathartha Mukherjee (Vocalist, Rabindra Bharti University) & Sri Mainak Das (Tabla Artist, Benaras Gharana) | Bhakti Geeti (Bhajans) |
- Both residential and non-residential participation options are available for devotees for the Spiritual Retreat (more details are given below). However, both residential as well as non-residential participants would be provided all the meals (breakfast, lunch, tea & dinner) at the Ashrama only.
- Accommodation within the Ashrama will follow dormitory rules (with separate arrangements for male and female participants), if required.
However, there will be a provision to stay in nearby hotels or homestays as well. - Participants must adhere strictly to the day-wise program without deviation.
- Silence is Golden. Participants are encouraged to minimize unnecessary talking & usage of mobile phones during the retreat.
- Participation is strictly by advance registration only, following a first-come-first-serve policy due to limited accommodation and seats.
DETAILED RULES & GUIDELINES
DETAILED RULES & GUIDELINES
1. Dates & Arrival Information
- Retreat Dates: 21st to 24th November 2026 (4 days)
- Arrival: 20th November 2026
Departure: 25th November 2026 (after breakfast)
(If anyone wants to stay beyond the retreat, they must mention the dates on the registration form. We shall confirm based on availability) - Retreat Dates: 21st to 24th November 2026 (4 days)
- Participants must arrive at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora, by 4 pm on 20th November, 2026.
Participants have to make their own travel arrangements for Almora.
Nearest Access Points:
- By Road: Haldwani (100 km), Bareilly (200 km), Dehradun (400 km), Delhi (400 km)
- By Train: Nearest railway stations – Kathgodam (80 km), Haldwani (90 km), and Lal Kuan (105 km)
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar (121 km), followed by Bareilly (193 km)
3. Accommodation & Registration
- 3.1 Accommodation will be provided within the Ashrama strictly on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- You can indicate your choice on the registration form.
- Those staying outside may choose from nearby hotels and guest houses, a list is given here.
- 3.2 Registration must be completed in advance by filling out the registration form along with the payment confirmation.
- Registration Fee: ₹2000 payable at the time of registration. The remaining amount will be payable after confirmation only.
- Total ₹6,000 for non-residential participants (contacts of some nearby hotels are provided below)
- Total ₹8,000 for residential participants
- Meals shall be provided for both residential as well as non-residential participants within the above cost only.
- Participants opting to stay outside the Ashrama will need to cover their hotel costs separately.
- After registration, participants will be added to a WhatsApp group for coordination.
4. Daily Routine & Participation
- All participants must attend morning meditation, chanting, and evening arati in the temple or Shivananda Hall, as applicable
- Discourses are mandatory and will be conducted as per the schedule in morning and evening sessions.
5. Climate & Clothing Recommendations
- Almora's weather will be cold in November. Participants should bring suitable warm clothing.
- It is advisable to carry a torch, an umbrella or rain protection, as weather conditions may vary.
6. Cancellation & Adjustments
- Registration fee is non-refundable.
- Registration fee will be accepted as donations and receipts will be issued accordingly.
- Participants must inform the Ashrama before the registration deadline if they are unable to attend however the registraion fee will not be refunded.
- For any further queries, drop us an email at almora@rkmm.org
- Or, you may contact Sri Aman Kumar (+91 70601 73528), Sri Debotosh Purkayastha (+91-97060 88110) or Br. Raju (+91 84450 08469)
Please note that telephonic discussions or WhatsApp messages will not be considered a valid communication for the retreat. Only those who shall send the filled-up forms will be considered.
SPIRITUAL RETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE
Time Event
6:15 AM — Temple Opening
6:30 AM — Mangal Arati, Vedic Chanting- Bhajan & Meditation
7:30 AM — Breakfast
8:15 AM — Vedic Chanting & Opening Song
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM — First Discourse
10:00 AM — Tea Break
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM — Second Discourse
12:00 Noon — Lunch
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM — Third Discourse
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM — Fourth
4:30 PM — Tea & Snacks
5:30 PM to 07:30 PM — Arati followed by Bhakti Sangeet (Bhajans)
8:30 PM — Dinner
1. Hotel Himadri 99179 55424 – 0.5 Km from the Ashrama
2. Prabhu Guest House 8006388522 – 0.5 Km from the Ashrama
3. Nivedita Cottage 97605 46898 – 0.7 Km from the Ashrama
4. Heritage Hotel 70789 01577 – 1 Km from the Ashrama
5. Hotel Milam Inn 94120 42245 – 2 Km from the Ashrama
6. Shikar Hotel 94120 39696 – 2 Km from the Ashrama
