Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora - News #Cultural ActivityRamakrishna Kutir, Almora - News #Cultural Activityhttps://almora.rkmm.org/news/tag/cultural-activityFri, 28 Aug 2026 14:04:34 +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[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[Almora visit of Srimad Swami Divyanandaji Maharaj (19-21st Nov. 2025)]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/almora-visit-of-srimad-swami-suhitanandaji-maharaj-2-4-nov.-202411On  19 November , one new building (Vivekananda Bhavan), one restored old building (Shivananda Kutir), and a museum in the existing hall below the ]]>

Inauguration of Museum, Vivekananda Bhavan & Shivananda Kutir (After Restoration)
​and Realease of Books


On 19 November, one new building (Vivekananda Bhavan), one restored old building (Shivananda Kutir), and a museum in the existing hall below the temple at Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora were inaugurated by Revered Swami Divyanandaji Maharaj, Vice-President, Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission.  presence of a gathering of monks, brahmacharis and devotees.



1. Turiyananda Divyasmriti Museum



The Turiyananda Divyasmriti Museum, showcasing personal articles used by Swami Turiyananda and Swami Subodhananda, along with numerous rare and old photographs of Ramakrishna Kutir, was ceremonially opened.
The conservation and display work was undertaken by the INTACH Delhi Chapter, with most of the expenses supported through INTACH’s CSR contribution, and the remaining by a devotee.

2. Vivekananda Bhavan (Students’ Home)


The newly constructed Vivekananda Bhavan, a residence for students from remote villages and underprivileged backgrounds pursuing studies at Almora College and Soban Singh Jeena University, was inaugurated next.
This three-storey building has 10 rooms with a capacity to accommodate 35 students. The project was funded by RVNL under its CSR scheme. 
Structural design and architectural work were executed by Shri Manoj Mehra, Bageshwar.

3. Shivananda Kutir (Restoration)


The 87-year-old Shivananda Kutir, constructed by B.Doraiswamy- a disciple of Swami Shivananda was restored to its original architectural integrity, was then dedicated to the public. The restored Kutir will now serve as a devotional accommodation space for visiting devotees. The restoration was funded by a US-based devotee. Conservation Architect: Dr. Neeta Das; Contractor: NIRMAN, Kolkata.

4. Book Release

  • (i) Turiyananda Divyasmriti – A booklet detailing the historical and spiritual significance of the objects displayed in the new museum.

  • (ii) Ramakrishna Kutir: Glimpses from the Past (English) 

  •  (iii) Ramakrishna Kutir: Ek Itihaas (Hindi) – Illustrated books on the history of Ramakrishna Kutir, featuring short biographies of the founders and numerous rare archival photographs.

  • (iv) The Eternal Quest: Life & Teachings of Swami Turiyananda, authored by Shri Mihir Kanti Das, Bengaluru, who has transferred the IPR to Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora. All proceeds from the book will remain with the Ashrama.

Programme Highlights

  • Felicitation of key contributors involved in the construction and restoration projects at Ramakrishna Kutir.

  • Distribution of food packets at the conclusion of the meeting.

Total Attendance: Approximately 120 participants.

Photos and Videos
]]>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:48:00 +0530<![CDATA[Youth Motivation Lecture, 4th August, 2025]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/special-youth-programme-4th-august-2025Report on Youth Activity Lecture under Vivekananda Study Circle A special lecture under the purview of the Vivekananda Study Circle was organized by R ]]>

Report on Youth Activity Lecture under Vivekananda Study Circle

A special lecture under the purview of the Vivekananda Study Circle was organized by Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora at Vivekananda Balika Inter College, Jeevandham, Almora on Monday, 4th August 2025 at 10:00 a.m. for the students of Classes IX–XII. More than 250 students participated in the programme.

The lecture on “Swami Vivekananda and the Holistic Development of Students” was delivered by Swami Yogatmananda ji, In-charge, Vedanta Society, Providence, USA, who was also the Chief Guest of the occasion.

The programme began with Saraswati Vandana and patriotic songs presented by the students, followed by lighting of the lamp and floral offerings. All guests were felicitated with badges and mementos.

Other distinguished guests present were:

  • Swami Mayadhishananda ji & Brahmachari Arpan – Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora
  • Dr. Ajit Ranade – Eminent Economist & Political Analyst; Former Vice-Chancellor, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune
  • Dr. Sucheta Ghule – Professor, Biochemistry Department, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital, Nagpur
  • Dr. Srikant Srigiriraju – Ph.D. (Mechanics of Solids and Structures), Brown University, USA; Academic Administrator, Chinmaya International Foundation, Kalady, Kerala
  • Mrs. Sarika Ingole – Former IT Professional, Nagpur

In his address, Swami Yogatmananda ji spoke on:

  • What is holistic development and how to achieve it
  • Swami Vivekananda’s idea of true development
  • The ultimate goal of education

Students interacted enthusiastically, asking questions to which Swamiji responded with clarity and warmth. He explained the importance of meditation, how to discover one’s goal in life, and the practices that help students excel.

The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Principal Smt. Godavari Chaturvedi, who expressed gratitude to Swamiji for his words of wisdom and emphasized the need for more such inspiring lectures for students.

The event was a great success and left a lasting impression on all participants.


PHOTOS & VIDEOS
]]>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:50:30 +0530<![CDATA[Governor's Visit to Kakrighat, 9th June, 2025]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/governer-s-visit-to-kakrighat-9th-june-2025Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, the Honourable Governor of Uttarakhand, paid a visit to Kakrighat on 9th June 2025. He had previously visited the site ]]>

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, the Honourable Governor of Uttarakhand, paid a visit to Kakrighat on 9th June 2025. He had previously visited the site in June 2024. During this year's visit, he committed a contribution of ₹1.5 lakhs from the Raj Bhavan fund towards the development of the Akhandananda Library at Kakrighat.
He also discussed the idea of writing a book on the significance of the Jñānavṛkṣa, which would explore the confluence of science, environment, and spirituality. He expressed his wish for Ramakrishna Kutir to undertake this project.
The Governor was visibly delighted to revisit this sacred place, known for Swami Vivekananda’s meditative experience. Drawing a parallel with Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi Vriksha, he remarked that he envisions the number of visitors and devotees to this holy site growing a hundredfold in the coming times.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS
]]>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:42:26 +0530<![CDATA[Spiritual Retreat, 8th to 11th May 2025]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/spiritual-retreat-may-2025-II


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.          
  5.                                      

                                                     


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.

Photos & Videos
]]>Wed, 21 May 2025 11:27:08 +0530<![CDATA[Vivekananda Inter School Competition 2025]]>https://almora.rkmm.org/news/post/spiritual-retreat-vivekananda-inter-school-competetion-may-2025

VIVEKANANDA INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITION


The annual Vivekananda Inter-School Competition was held for schools in Almora town. This year, around 3500 students from 39 schools participated in a two-round format:

  • First round: Held at respective schools from 23rd April to 1st May 2025
  • Second round: Conducted at Government Girls’ Inter College, Almora on 4th May 2025
  • The prize distribution ceremony was held on 11th May at the banquet hall of Hotel Milam Inn, in the presence of:
  • Sri Ajay Verma, Mayor of Almora
  • Swami Atmashraddhananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Kanpur
  • Swami Sukhananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Bhuj
  • Other monks from various centres in India and Bangladesh
  • Around 50 retreat guests
  • 200 students, parents and teachers & principals

Vibrant cultural performances were performed by the student winners celebrating local and Indian traditions, and the inspiring ideals of Swami Vivekananda.




112 students were awarded for their outstanding performances. Competitions were held in the following categories:

  • Classes 1–4: Art Competition
  • Classes 5–6: Comprehension based on Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings
  • Classes 7–8: Gita chanting and explanation
  • Classes 9–10: Quiz on Swami Vivekananda, Uttarakhand’s heritage, and Indian culture
  • Classes 11–12: Speech on Swami Vivekananda’s Expectations from the Youth
  • School Level: Short play based on Swami Vivekananda’s life
  • School Level: Cultural presentation based on Indian folk traditions and heritage

Food packets were distributed to all attendees, and refreshments were served to the guests.

Photos & Videos
]]>Tue, 20 May 2025 11:21:44 +0530