A spiritual retreat was held at our Almora Centre from 8th to 11th May 2025, attended by 85 delegates from

various parts of India and countries such as the USA, UK, Bangladesh, and Canada.

The retreat featured the following speakers and sessions:

1. Swami Raghavendrananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Nagpur – Guided meditation (every morning) and Dharma Prasanga based on the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother, and Swamiji.
2. Swami Atmashraddhananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Kanpur – Life and Teachings of Swami Turiyananda, based on letters written from Almora.
3. Swami Sukhananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Bhuj – Recital and Discourse on Ramacharitmanas.
4. Swami Shuddhidananda, Adhyaksha, Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati – Discourse on Chapter 15 (Purushottama Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.          
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A special discourse on Ramacharitmanas by Swami Sukhananda was also held at Kakrighat, 

attended by about 50 people, including schoolchildren and local villagers.

In addition to the speakers, several other monks and brahmacharins from various centres graced the retreat with their presence, including Swami Shaktinathananda – Ramakrishna Mission, Chittagong, Swami Sevamayananda – Haziganj Centre, Swami Shankareshananda – Rajkot Centre, Swami Hariramananda – Porbandar Centre and other distinguished monks.

As part of the retreat, the delegates visited several spiritually significant sites such as Turiyananda Taposthali, Karbala, Vivekananda Dwar, Patal Devi, and Kasar Devi temples, for which transportation was arranged.

A concluding session was held on the evening of 11th May, during which selected delegates shared their retreat experiences with the gathering.

This Holistic Wellness Retreat is designed for those seeking to reverse lifestyle diseases and practice higher Vedanta as Swaashtya Sadhakas.

1. Dates & Arrival Information

• Retreat Dates: 14th April to 16th April 2025 (3 days)
• Arrival: 13th April 2025, Departure: 17th April 2025 (morning after breakfast)
• Participants must arrive at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora, by the evening of 13th April. Dinner will be served at 8.00 PM on the day of arrival.

2. Location & Travel Arrangements

Participants have to make their travel arrangements upto and from Kathgodam. Cars (on sharing basis) will be arranged by the Ashrama from and to Kathgodam.

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 or outside in nearby hotels.
• Registration must be completed in advance by filling out the registration form along with payment confirmation.
• Registration Fee: ₹10,000 for the three-day retreat, which includes accommodation, food & travel to & from Kathgodam on a sharing basis.
• 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, including shared travel arrangements.

4. Food & Meal Schedule

• Breakfast: 9:00 AM (Fruits only); Lunch: 12:00 PM (Salad only); Dinner: 6:00 PM (Cooked meal)
• Tea will not be served to discourage its consumption due to health concerns. Instead, kadha (herbal decoction) will be available.
• Meal schedules are subject to change and will be confirmed upon arrival.

5. Daily Routine & Participation

• All participants must attend morning meditation, chanting, and evening arati in the temple.
• Discourses are mandatory and will be conducted as per the schedule in morning and evening sessions.
• As part of the retreat, there will be an evening sightseeing trip to places in Almora associated with Swami Vivekananda.
• A detailed schedule will be provided upon arrival.

6. Climate & Clothing Recommendations

• Almora can be moderately cold in April. 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. However, if a participant is unable to attend, the fee can be adjusted toward any future retreat at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora, within one year.
• Participants must inform the Ashrama before the registration deadline if they are unable to attend.