A Unique Pilgrimage & Cultural Immersion
Sounds of laughter, prayer, and song rise into the early morning air at Sri Ram Ashram. The day has begun, and the children are heading to school. You are making your way to your morning asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation class — a grounding start before another day of exploring the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of India.
Moments like this are at the heart of Mount Madonna’s Yoga Diwali India program, which takes place every year during India’s festival season. Yoga Diwali India offers a lived experience of India’s vibrant, authentic beauty.
This is not a retreat designed to shield participants from real life in India — it is an invitation to it.
“I took deep lessons about yoga away from the retreat. I also felt like I got to experience India and Indian culture in an immersive way that will stay with me. I saw things I never imagined I would see.”
— YDI 2025 Participant
HOME BASE
Trip participants reside just outside Haridwar, in the foothills of the Himalayas of Northern India, at Sri Ram Ashram — an orphanage, school, and community inspired and founded by Baba Hari Dass. For over 40 years, Sri Ram Ashram has provided a stable, loving family atmosphere for abandoned children, and over the course of the program, participants are welcomed in and come to share that same sense of love and belonging.
“It was heartwarming to spend time with the kids and Sri Ram community. I think that the kids are a big part of Babaji’s legacy and I feel really fortunate to have been able to spend time with them. This was my second visit to the ashram and I feel like my connections to the kids and staff have deepened. I can’t wait to come back!”
— YDI 2025 Participant
Daily life at the ashram provides participants with an unfiltered experience of living among the children. You will see toddlers running around the yard with ashram mothers chasing after them, participate in daily arati (ritual of light) with residents, and experience the warmth of the Sri Ram family.
“I loved sharing daily life with the ashram community. It was wonderful to be invited in. I really enjoyed the last meal with the kids, eating on the ground – the food was amazing.”
— YDI 2025 Participant
DAILY PRACTICE
Each day begins with yoga classes led by experienced instructors, offering pranayama, meditation, asana, and theory sessions tailored to suit all levels and needs.
“The yoga instructors led beautiful pranayama, meditation, asana and theory classes. They were highly knowledgeable and tailored classes to suit all levels and needs. Rashmi was a wealth of information regarding Indian culture and the ashram and was always willing and eager to answer questions and facilitate a discussion. The hosts at the ashram were friendly, warm, and inviting.”
— YDI 2025 Participant
EXCURSIONS
As part of the journey, you will take excursions to explore the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage, led by guides with decades of experience living in India and guiding spiritual seekers throughout the country.
“I’ve lived in India over 30 years – what I’ve found most interesting is the local nooks and crannies you’ll never see on a regular tour, and the people you’ll connect with.”
— Rashmi Cole, YDI Program Director
Some examples of excursions include:
– Pilgrimages to sacred sites and ancient temples around Haridwar & Kankhal
– Trips to local markets
– Peaceful walks along the sacred Ganga River
– The renowned Ganga arati ceremony at Har Ki Pauri
– A visit to a Gujjar village, a tribal community in the jungle
– A day trip to Rishikesh
– And unplanned discoveries along the way!
Mount Madonna has long-standing connections with the people of the Haridwar region through Sri Ram Ashram. Yoga Diwali India provides a unique opportunity for participants to spend every day with locals, fully immersed in their culture.
FESTIVAL SEASON
Festival season is a vibrant period of celebration in India and a highly auspicious time to be in the country. Yoga Diwali India occurs during a series of important holidays that follow one after the other, including Choti Diwali and Diwali (festival of lights), Bhaiya Dooj (celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters), and Govardhan Puja (honoring the cows) — all of which are celebrated at the ashram with the children.
Diwali is the festival of lights, symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil — one of the most important and elaborate holidays in Indian culture.
Participating in Diwali preparations with the children at the ashram is a highlight of the trip:
– Making prasad (sweets) from scratch
– Shopping at the markets hand in hand with the children
– Decorating the floor with colorful rangoli (a traditional Indian art form)
– Making and lighting hundreds of diyas (oil lamps) all over the ashram to dispel the darkness
– Immersing yourself in the real-life unfolding of what it means to celebrate Diwali in India
“This experience was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. It solidified my yoga education and helped me integrate the teachings into my daily life. The Hindu festivals and rituals I experienced firsthand at the ashram helped me understand and appreciate what I experienced.”
— YDI 2025 Participant
READY TO GO?
Whether through the discipline of Yoga, the sacredness of Vedic rituals and holy sites, the joy of connecting with the children of Sri Ram Ashram, or the luminous celebration of Diwali, Yoga Diwali India will leave you enriched, inspired, and connected to something greater than yourself.
“I’m still walking around glowing from the experience and people comment on it. I’ve reestablished a daily pranayama and meditation practice. I am more tolerant.”
— YDI 2025 Participant
→ Space is limited — learn more and join us at Sri Ram Ashram this November
