Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora - News by almoraRamakrishna Kutir, Almora - News by almorahttps://almora.rkmm.org/news/author/almoraThu, 27 Aug 2026 06:59:48 +0530http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Spiritual Retreat - November 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/spiritual-retreat-21st-to-23rd-november-20261Dear Devotees, We are delighted to announce that a  4-day Spiritual Retreat will be held from 21 -24 November 2026  at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora ]]>

Dear Devotees,


We are delighted to announce that a 4-day Spiritual Retreat will be held from 21-24 November 2026 at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora.


Here's a summary of the Retreat:

Speaker

Topic

 1

Swami Raghavendrananda

Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Nagpur

 

Guided Meditation & Dhrama Prasanga based on lives of Sri Sri Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada Devi & Swami Vivekananda

2

Swami Mayadheeshananda

Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora

 Discorce on Narad Bhakti Sutra

 

  • 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 accommodations and seats.
Fill up the Registration Form here

DETAILED RULES & GUIDELINES​

1. Dates & Arrival Information

  • Retreat Dates: 21st to 24th November 2026 (4 days)
  • Arrival: 20th November 2026, 
    Departure: 25th May 2026 (morning 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.)
  • Participants must arrive at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora, by the 4 pm on 20th November.

2. Location & Travel Arrangements

Participants have to make their travel arrangements for Almora. 
Buses/ Taxis/ Shared Taxis are available from railway stations/ bus stations/ airport.


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

  • 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 of which is given here.
  • ***
  • Registration must be completed in advance by filling out the registration form along with payment confirmation.
  • Registration Fee: 
    • ₹6,000 for non-residential participants (contacts of some nearby hotels are provided below)
    • ₹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.

5. 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.

6. Climate & Clothing Recommendations

  • Almora can be cold  November. Participants should bring suitable warm clothing.
  • It is advisable to carry an umbrella or rain protection, as weather conditions may vary.

7. Cancellation & Adjustments

  • Registration fees are non-refundable.
  • Registration fees 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. But we won't be able to refund the registration fees.

8. Contact:
  • 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 (+91-9706088110) or Br. Raju (+91 8445008469)


Please note that telephonic discussions or WhatsApp messages will not be considered valid communication for the retreat. Only those who shall send the filled-up forms will be considered.

Fill up the Registration Form here
​​Here are the name and contact number of nearby hotels and guest houses which may be of help to you.


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          – 2Km from the Ashrama

6. Shikar Hotel - 94120 39696                 – 2Km from the Ashrama

DAILY TIMETABLE FOR SPIRITUAL RETREAT OF SWAMI SHUDDHIDANANDAJI


Time           Event

5:30 AM — Temple Opening


6:00 AM — Mangal Arati, Vedic Chanting- Bhajan & Meditation


7:00 AM — Breakfast


8:00 AM — Registration followed by Vedic Chanting & Opening Song


8:30 AM — First Discorse


10:00 AM — Tea Break


10:30 AM to 11:30 AM — Bhajan


12:00 Noon — Lunch


3:00 PM — Afternoon Session 


4:30 PM — Tea & Snacks


5:00 PM to 06:00 PM — Bhajan, followed by arati and meditation by Swami Divyavratananda (Pranab Maharaj) and Swami Shankareshananda (Sachin Maharaj)


9:00 PM — Dinner

]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:13:04 +0530<![CDATA[80th Independence Day - 15 August 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/80th-independence-day-15-august-2026  T he 80th Independence Day   was celebrated on 15th August 2026  beginning with hoisting the National flag of Ind ]]>

 The 80th Independence Day was celebrated on 15th August 2026 beginning with hoisting the National flag of India & singing the National Anthem followed by speeches by eminent guests & performances by students:

  • Sri Ajay Verma , Mayor, Nagar Nigam, Almora
  • Dr. Chandra Prakash Fuloria, Director, Swami Vivekananda Spiritual Circuit Study Centre and Museum Incharge, Department of History, SSJ University, Almora
  • Dr. Lalit Joshi, SSJ University, Almora
    Anchoring &  coordination by Swami Mayadheeshanandaji Maharaj & Sri Chandra Prakash Fuloria


Around 60 Students, Staff & Local people attended the function. There was an arrangement of refreshment at the end.



 Some highlights of today's performance included:

PHOTOS & VIDEOS
]]>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:00:39 +0530<![CDATA[Shodasi Puja (Phalaharini Kali Puja) - 16th May, 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/shodasi-puja-phalaharini-kali-puja-16th-may-2026Phalaharini Kali Puja was celebrated at Ramakrishna Kutir on 16th May 2026. After the evening arati, a vishesh puja was held at the Temple, followed b ]]>

Phalaharini Kali Puja was celebrated at Ramakrishna Kutir on 16th May 2026. After the evening arati, a vishesh puja was held at the Temple, followed by Bhoga-arati and Pushpanjali. Kali kirtans and other bhajans were sung by Swami Harishwarananda. Around 60 devotees and students were served night prasad.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS
]]>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:36:52 +0530<![CDATA[Guru Purnima 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/guru-purnima-2026The auspicious ‘Guru Purnima’ was celebrated with Special Puja and Homa in the Ashrama Temple on Wednesday, 29th July 2026. The day began wi ]]>


The auspicious ‘Guru Purnima’ was celebrated with Special Puja and Homa in the Ashrama Temple on Wednesday, 29th July 2026. The day began with Mangal Arati at 6 am and the festivities continued till 9 pm at night. Around 90 devotees attended the Puja and partook the noon prasad.


Mangal Arati - 6:00 AM

Vedic Chanting - 06:05 AM

Puja & Bhajan - 7:30 AM

Homa - 10:30 AM

Bhogarati & Pushpanjali - 12:00 Noon

Noon Prasada - 12:30 PM

Sandhya Arati & Bhajan - 7:15 PM

PHOTOS & VIDEOS
]]>Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:28:09 +0530<![CDATA[Prize Distribution Celebration, 31st May, 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/prize-distribution-celebration-31st-may-2026The prize distribution ceremony was held on 31 May 2026 at Hotel Milam Inn, Almora , and was attended by around 150 participants , including students, t ]]>
PHOTOS & VIDEOS

The prize distribution ceremony was held on 31 May 2026 at Hotel Milam Inn, Almora, and was attended by around 150 participants, including students, teachers, principals, parents, retreat delegates, devotees, monks, and local dignitaries. Shri Ajay Verma, Mayor of Almora, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Sixty students were awarded prizes. The programme concluded with vibrant cultural performances by awardee students, followed by refreshments for all present.

VIVEKANANDA INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITION

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY

May 31st 2026

TimeEvent
3:00 PMArrival of Students
 Cultural Program Competition (Ready for Program)
3:00 PMArrival of Dignitaries
03.05 PMLighting of Lamp & Offering Flowers at Swamiji's Photograph accompanied by Vedic Chanting
3:10 PMWelcome Speech by Swami Dhruveshananda
3:15 PMFelicitation for guests (by Bouquet & Memento)
3:20 PMCultural Program by Sanskar Valley
3:28 PMSpeech by  - Guest of Honor Sri Ajay Verma, Mayor
3:35 PMGita Chanting - Pradyuman Joshi, GIC Almora
3:40 PMStudent Speech - By Jiya Chamiyal, Army Public School
3:45 PMSpeech by Chief Guest - Swami Achyuteshanandaji Mj. Secretary, R.K. Mission, Narottam Nagar & Trustee Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Belur Math, Howarh West Bengal
 Short Play - 
4:00 PMPrize Distribution ( Winner List Wise)
4:30 PMFelicitation for Judges/Teachers (Memento)
4:45 PMFelicitation for volunteers (by Sweets and Books)
4:50 PMVote of Thanks by Dr. CP Fuloria, SSJ University Almora
TEA for Dignitaries Food Packet for Students

]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:31:43 +0530<![CDATA[Half Day Seminar, 31st May, 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/half-day-seminar-31st-may-2026A half-day seminar was organized at Shivananda Hall on the theme “Indian Social System, Skill Development and Value-Based Education in the Light of Sw ]]>
PHOTOS & VIDEOS

A half-day seminar was organized at Shivananda Hall on the theme “Indian Social System, Skill Development and Value-Based Education in the Light of Swami Vivekananda’s Teachings.” The speakers included Swami Achyuteshanandaji Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Narottamnagar,  Prof. Satpal Singh Bisht, Vice-Chancellor, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, and Prof. Milton Kumar Dev, Department of History, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Half Day Seminar at Shivananda Hall, 
Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora
31.05.2026

TimeEvent
8:45 AMArrival of Students 
 Arrival of Dignitaries
9:00 AMLighting of Lamp & Offering Flowers at Swamiji's Photograph accompanied by Vedic Chanting by Monks
9:05 AMSaraswati Vandana by Students of Vivekananda Balika Inter College 
9:10 AMWelcome Song by Students of Vivekananda Balika Inter College 
9:15 AMWelcome Address By Swami Dhruveshanandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha RK Kutir, Almora
9:20 AMIntroduction By Dr. C.P. Fuloria, SSJ University Almora
9:25 AMFelicitation for guests 
9:30 AMSpeech  by Dr Lalita Rawal, Education Faculty, SSJ University Almora
9:35 AMSpeech  by Guest of Honour - Prof. Milton Kumar Dev, Dhaka Unversity, Bangladesh
10:05 AMSpeech  by Chief Guest - Prof. Satpal Singh Bisht, VC, SSJ University, Almora
10:35 AMSpeech by Chairman - Swami Achyuteshanandaji Mj. Secretary, R.K. Mission, Narottam Nagar & Trustee Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Belur Math, Howarh West Bengal
11:05 AMVote of Thanks By Swami Sukhanandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha Ramakrishna Math, Bhuj, Gujarat
Lunch for Students & Digniteries

]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:13:52 +0530<![CDATA[Spiritual Retreat - 27th to 30th May 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/spiritual-retreat-27th-to-30th-may-2026A three day spiritual retreat was held at our Almora Ashrama from 27 th to 30th May 2026 , attended by 45  delegates from various parts of India ]]>


A three day spiritual retreat was held at our Almora Ashrama from 27th to 30th May 2026, attended by 45 delegates from

various parts of India & Abroad  

      1.     During the second phase (27–30 May), Swami Omkareshanandaji Maharaj (Nagpur) conducted guided meditation sessions and discourses on Reincarnation (Punarjanmavad), Sri Ramakrishna Dev, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Swami Bhitiharanandaji Maharaj (Chandigarh) delivered discourses and conducted interactive question-and-answer sessions on Dharma Tattva in the light of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. Swami Sukhanandaji Maharaj (Bhuj) conducted sessions on Ramcharitmanas along with devotional recitations. Swami Achyuteshanandaji Maharaj (Narottam Nagar) delivered an insightful discourse on Swami Vivekananda for the Modern Age. Swami Mayadheeshanandaji (Almora) dielivered lecture on Narad Bhakti Surtra. A devotional music programme (Bhajan Sandhya) was presented by Dr. Subhadra Desai & her team from New Delhi.



Swami Omkareshananda, Nagpur
Swami Bhitiharananda, Chandigarh
Devotional Songs by Dr. Subhadra Desai
Swami Achyuteshananda, Narottamnagar
Photos & Videos
Retreat Delegates
Closing Ceremony
]]>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:33:20 +0530<![CDATA[Spiritual Retreat - 6th to 8th May 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/spiritual-retreat-6th-to-8th-may-2026A three day spiritual retreat was held at our Almora Ashrama from 6 th to 8th May 2026 , attended by 65  delegates from various parts of India  & ]]>


A three day spiritual retreat was held at our Almora Ashrama from 6th to 8th May 2026, attended by 65 delegates from

various parts of India  



The retreat featured the following speakers and sessions:

Swami Shuddhidananda, Adhyaksha, Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati – Discourse on Bhagavad Gita Chapter-8 (Akshar Brahma Yoga) 

Swami Divyavratananda, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Guwahati – Bhakti Geeti (Bhajans).


Swami Shuddhidananda
Swami Divyavratananda
Devotional Songs by Devotees
Devotional Songs by Devotees
Photos & Videos
Retreat Delegates
Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Raktakarabi’ in pathabhinoy form (enactment through words) by Dwarka Society of Performing Arts, New Delhi
Welcome Address by Swami Dhruveshananda
]]>Sat, 09 May 2026 17:29:01 +0530<![CDATA[191st Tithi Puja of Thakur Sri Ramakrishna Dev 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/191st-tithi-puja-of-thakur-sri-ramakrishna-dev-2026The  191st Birth Anniversary of Thakur Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa Dev was celebrated at Ramakrishna Kutir on  Thrusday, 19th February, 20 ]]>

The 191st Birth Anniversary of Thakur Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa Dev was celebrated at Ramakrishna Kutir on Thrusday, 19th February, 2025. The day started with Mangal Arati at 6:00 AM followed by Puja at 8:00 AM, Homa at 10:00 AM and Bhogarati & Pushpanjali at 11:30 AM. Bhajans were sung by Swami Harishwarananada. A Bhandara was organised on the occasion in which more than 320 devotees, students, volunteers & workers were fed the noon prasad. Students from the Govt. Hotel Management Institute, Soban Singh Jeena University, Sishu Sadan & Nari Niketan joined the celebrations.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS
]]>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:46:38 +0530<![CDATA[Mahashivaratri Puja 2026]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/mahashivaratri-puja-2026Mahashivaratri was celebrated at Ramakrishna Kutir on Sunday, 15th February, 2026. The Puja started after Sandhya Arati at 7:30 PM. Bhogarati, Ba ]]>

Mahashivaratri was celebrated at Ramakrishna Kutir on Sunday, 15th February, 2026. The Puja started after Sandhya Arati at 7:30 PM. Bhogarati, Bathing of Baneshwara Shiva Lingam & Pushpanjali were also conducted. The Puja got over by 09.30 PM Bhajans were sung by Br. Arpan & a student. Around 20 devotees, students & workers were fed the night prasad.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS
]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:10:24 +0530