Yoga Diwali India: A Cultural Immersion
A UNIQUE INDIA PILGRIMAGE & YOGA RETREAT
CELEBRATE THE LIGHT OF INDIA & EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF SRI RAM ASHRAM
Step into the heart of India’s most vibrant festival season and experience the magic of Diwali at Sri Ram Ashram, home for abandoned children and school located on 16 acres of farmland just outside of the holy city of Haridwar. This 12-day, 11-night immersive yoga retreat in Northern India offers a unique opportunity to deepen your practice of Yoga while becoming a part of the Sri Ram Ashram family. Led by local guides and seasoned yoga practitioners, embark on a transformative journey to engage with India’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions.
Each morning begins with the rhythms of ashram life — savoring a hot cup of fresh chai as the children chant morning prayers or enjoying a quiet moment before stepping onto your mat for a classical Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path) practice. Through pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, and asana (postures), cultivate balance, strength, and presence as the sun rises over the ashram. Afterward, nourish your body with a wholesome brunch before engaging in the rich teachings of Yoga philosophy, as well as cultural and historical discussions.
As part of your journey, go on curated excursions, like mini-pilgrimages, to explore the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. These range from visiting temples, local markets, and the homes of villagers who have been friends of the ashram for 40 years, to peaceful walks along the Ganga River and time with the Gujjars — a tribal jungle community not accessible to tourists. Together, they offer a perspective of India rarely seen on traditional group tours.
Outside of structured sessions, get involved in the daily flow of the ashram by spending time with the children — these heartfelt connections offer an unforgettable glimpse into their warmth and resilience. Don’t be surprised if there is an impromptu Bollywood dance party.
This program offers a rare chance to engage with India’s cultural and spiritual traditions in a deeply personal and meaningful way. 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, this experience will leave you enriched, inspired, and connected to something greater than yourself.
Your Itinerary
Where the Ganga River meets the Himalayas of Northern India
Your journey will take you beyond the Ashram to explore the cultural and spiritual heritage of Northern India in ways that tourists rarely have the opportunity to experience. Nestled along the banks of the sacred Ganga, Haridwar is one of India’s holiest cities and an ancient center for spiritual pilgrimage. Steeped in mythology and traditions, it is a place where the timeless flow of the river mirrors the deep-rooted spiritual practices of its people.
NOVEMBER 1
Arrive at Sri Ram Ashram. Settle in over chai, followed by an opening circle, introductions, and orientation.
NOVEMBER 2 – 5
Explore the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage, starting with a guided walk through Shyampur village, visiting families inside their homes for a unique understanding of village life before walking to the banks of the Ganga for your first, but not last, dip in the river. Visit Shri Ram Vidya Mandir, the school founded by Sri Ram Ashram to serve surrounding rural communities, and spend an afternoon of play with the ashram children. Enjoy visits to ancient temples in Haridwar and Kankhal, including Sureshwari Devi Temple and Anandamayi Ma’s samadhi (final resting place). Plan to spend a full day in Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world.
NOVEMBER 6 – 10
As Diwali approaches, immerse yourself in the festive preparations and share in the infectious excitement of the children. Festival season begins with our annual “Shop til you Drop” outing, walking hand-in-hand with the children as they shop at a local market. Celebrate Choti Diwali, the prelude to the main event — the children and adults build Ayodhya to welcome Ram home from exile (spoiler alert: be prepared for mud play!). Then celebrate Diwali itself — devote the day to decorating the ashram, making sweets, lighting hundreds of diyas (oil lamps) and candles, and more! Participate in Govardhan Puja, a day dedicated to Krishna and his beloved cows, a rare opportunity to take part in an ancient tradition not often seen by tourists. Create a sacred altar out of mud and cow dung, then witness a fire yajna (ancient Vedic ritual) before walking to feed the ashram’s cows our homemade treats.
NOVEMBER 10
Visit the Gujjars, a local community residing in the nearby jungle, who have been friends of the Ashram for many years. This is a rare opportunity to spend time together in their homes and learn about their traditions.
NOVEMBER 11
Observe Bhaiya Dhuj, a cherished honoring of the bond between brothers and sisters — full of gusto and love. Offer a candlelit flower boat to the river during an unforgettable evening at Har Ki Pauri, where the renowned Ganga arati ceremony illuminates the sacred banks of the Ganga. On the final night of your stay, enjoy family dinner with the children, eating together on the floor, traditional style.
NOVEMBER 12
Enjoy a final morning with your new ashram family before gathering for a farewell circle and preparing to depart. The program ends at 1:00 p.m.
Please note: Itinerary is subject to change due to opportunities & unforeseen events.
Sample Daily Schedule
| November 2 - 11 (Schedule will vary depending on the day’s activities) | |
| 7:00 a.m. | Chai | 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Yoga class | 10:00 a.m. | Brunch | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Theory class | 2:00 p.m. | Chai | 2:30 p.m. | Outing discussion | 3:00 p.m. | Depart for outing | 6:00 p.m. | Arati | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Dinner |
ABOUT DIWALI & THE FESTIVAL SEASON
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of renewal, joy, and togetherness. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli (decorative floor art) and glowing diyas (oil lamps), symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Families and friends gather to share festive meals, exchange sweets, and revel in music and dance.
At its heart, Diwali represents optimism, prosperity, and the power of good intentions. The flickering lamps and fireworks illuminate the night, echoing themes of hope and new beginnings. The holiday fosters a spirit of generosity, with many offering donations and acts of kindness to those in need.
Beyond its spiritual and symbolic significance, Diwali is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Storytelling, performances, and vibrant celebrations bring communities together, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy. Historically, the festival coincides with the transition from autumn to winter, and in earlier times, the lighting of lamps and bonfires may have served both practical and ritual purposes — warding off insects and bringing warmth to the lengthening nights.
ABOUT SRI RAM ASHRAM
Sri Ram Ashram is currently home to nearly 60 children and includes an onsite school, Shri Ram Vidya Mandir, that educates nearly 1000 students from the surrounding community.
Mount Madonna’s connection with India and Sri Ram Ashram runs deep, as both the Center and the Ashram were inspired and nurtured by Baba Hari Dass. Sri Rama Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 1973 to support an orphanage in India, leading to the founding of Sri Ram Ashram in 1984. For decades, Babaji, his students, and interested visitors made an annual journey to the ashram. There they continued their study of Yoga, furthered their practice of Karma Yoga (path of selfless action), and deepened their understanding of community through group practice, study, and play. Today, the ashram serves as a living expression of education, service, and spiritual practice, where these elements naturally intertwine every day.
This journey transforms the lives of those who share it. We look forward to sharing the experience with you!
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
Yoga Diwali India: A Cultural Immersion
Program Cost: US$3,000
Inclusive of tuition, meals, and lodging (excluding airfare). See additional details and discounts below.
Tuition:
- Payable in advance to Mount Madonna
- Reserve your space with a US$300 deposit at the time of registration
- Remaining tuition balance of US$2,700 due September 15, 2026
What’s Included in Tuition:
- 12 days and 11 nights in beautiful Northern India
- Accommodations at Sri Ram Ashram, located on 16 acres of farmland near Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India
- Meals, including dinner on arrival and breakfast before departure (except for lunch during our full day in Rishikesh)
- Daily yoga/meditation classes
- Professionally and personally guided tours with transportation and paid entrance fees
What’s Not Included in Tuition:
- Airfare
- All travel to and from Sri Ram Ashram
- Travel medical insurance (required)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Lunch during our full day in Rishikesh
- Meals on travel days (except for dinner upon arrival on November 1 and breakfast on the departure day November 12)
- Visas
- Laundry
Accommodations:
- Accommodations at Sri Ram Ashram are shared and will be assigned
- Rooms are simple with shared, attached restrooms
- A private room may be requested, but there are no guarantees of assignment
- A specific roommate may be requested
Registration/Application Process:
- Register to indicate interest & pay deposit — deposit is refunded if we are not able to offer you a spot or in the event that the program is cancelled
- After you complete this registration, you will be invited to a Q&A session with one of our trip leaders. This is a chance for us to connect, answer any questions you may have, and ensure this experience is a good fit for you
- Once the Q&A conversation has taken place, we’ll send your invoice and additional travel information
- If you choose to pay in monthly installments, all tuition is due by September 15, 2026
- If you apply on/after September 15, full payment will be due in one lump sum
- Complete a Traveler Information Form & Liability Waiver – emailed to you
- Participate in an Information Session(s) at least one month prior to departure – schedule will be emailed to you
- PLEASE NOTE: this program requires a minimum number of participants. Do not book your airfare until the trip has been confirmed by program leaders
Airfare:
- Payable by participant to airline of their choice
- You will fly into Dehradun Airport (DED- Jolly Grant) and take a taxi (one hour) to Sri Ram Ashram
- Other options include flying into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and taking a taxi to Sri Ram Ashram (5 hours)
- Passport and visa required – your passport must be valid for six months from your departure date from India
- PLEASE NOTE: Air travel will not be arranged or managed by retreat organizers and must be arranged solely by the retreat participant
Cancellations:
- Advanced written notification is required for all trip cancellations
- The deposit of US$300 is non-refundable, except in the event the program is cancelled by Mount Madonna
- Cancellations made at least 60 days prior to the program start date are refundable, minus the $300 deposit
- Cancellations made between 45 and 60 days prior to the program start date are subject to 50% program cost fee
- No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 45 days prior to the program start date
- Travel medical insurance is required, and additional travel insurance is strongly recommended to help protect you in the event of unforeseen health concerns or trip cancellations
See Frequently Asked Questions here.
Questions not covered by the FAQs? Email yoga-diwali-india@mountmadonna.org
A TESTIMONIAL
“I have been to 22 countries and on six continents in the world, but my trip to India was the most impactful for many reasons. Was it because it was a bucket list item since I was a child? Was it because I was blessed to have this incredible experience with my son and daughter? Was it because respected teachers from Mount Madonna led the trip? (I have said for many years, that I would only go to India with Mount Madonna.) Or was it just the mystery and magic of India itself? It was all of the above and much, much more!
If I had to describe the experience in one word, it would be FABULOUS!!! We experienced a number of religions existing peacefully side-by-side. We learned more than I ever expected about the integrated cultures of the different people who inhabit India. We also had the opportunity to deepen our spiritual yoga practice with daily meditation and asana classes with the thoughtful and kind teaching led by this year’s practitioners.
But the most impactful experience of all was observing how “Love Loves Love.” The children and residents at Sri Ram Ashram truly exemplify how a family loves and helps one another. They are so welcoming and loving. But this experience would not have been what it was without the leadership, and guidance, and care of Rashmi-ji. She is truly the best example of Selfless Service I have ever witnessed. She led us on numerous excursions, each one being our favorite. She kept us safe and attached to our belongings in the train stations. She taught us about the different religions, made sure we were dressed appropriately, explained many of the festival rituals, how to use a bucket shower, and made us feel welcome and comfortable at the Ashram. She did all of this seamlessly while running the Ashram and being “Mom” to 65+ children.
Everyday was a new adventure or experience and extra special! But, my personal highlights were a walk to the Mama Ganga, the tractor-trolley excursion to the Gujjar village, our day at Rishikesh, the evening arati at Har Ki Pari, and of course, spending the Diwali celebrations and our last dinner with the SRA children, and the Bhaiya Dhuj. Just being in Haridwar and knowing that is where Babaji started his journey was touching. I came home with an overwhelming feeling of love and sense of enormous gratitude!”
— Julie Damavanti, Yoga Diwali India participant, 2016
Presenters
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Rashmi ColeProgram DirectorRashmi lived at Sri Ram Ashram from 1988 until 2020. She remains involved in Sri Ram Ashram through extended visits twice a year. She has participated in all phases of the founding and development of Sri Ram Ashram, from inception, to chasing elephants out of the fields, raising babies, supervising education, facilitating college admissions and arranging marriages for young adults. She serves as director of the Yoga Diwali India program, a successful Yoga immersion program at Sri Ram Ashram. She has hosted many visiting groups from around the world. Her passion is to share Sri Ram Ashram and the Haridwar area with the world and is happiest when gathering with her Sri Ram Ashram family for milestone events.
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Kamalesh Ginger HoovenC-IAYT, Ayurvedic Practitioner, E-RYT 500Kamalesh serves as Chair of Mount Madonna’s School of Yoga. She has been part of the Mount Madonna community since 2002 and has been teaching in the Yoga Teacher Trainings, retreats, and programs since 2005. Over the years she has developed curriculum for Mount Madonna’s YTT 200, YTT 300, and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy programs, and served as Provost of Mount Madonna Institute. She teaches Samkhya, the Yoga Sutras, Subtle Body, Anatomy and Biomechanics, asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation. This will be Kamalesh’s third trip to Sri Ram Ashram — she spent time there with Babaji and her sons in 2006 and co-led the Yoga Diwali India trip in 2016. Kamalesh loves the deeper aspects of yoga and looks forward to sharing the practices as taught by Baba Hari Dass. She currently lives in Guatemala, where she founded YogAntigua and runs a restaurant and mini-retreat center hosting programs for international and local groups.
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Lizabeth Lokamātrī GamberdellaMA, Ayurveda, E-RYT 500, C-IYTLizzy is a yoga and Ayurveda educator devoted to holistic health through ongoing study, practice, and service. Rooted in classical yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, she brings a lifelong practice of yoga and formal studies in yoga and Ayurveda beginning in 2008 to her teaching of Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path), Hatha Yoga (path of balance), sadhana (pranayama and meditation), Therapeutic Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Philosophy, and Ayurveda.
She completed her initial yoga teacher training at the Santa Barbara Yoga Center in the lineage of Krishnamacharya, where she also studied biomechanics and anatomy with Jules Mitchell, social responsibility with Michelle Cassandra Johnson, and Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman. She completed Advanced Yoga Studies and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy (C-IAYT) training at Mount Madonna, where her work continues to be shaped by lineage, lived experience and sustained personal practice.
Lizzy currently serves the School of Yoga at Mount Madonna as a member of the yoga faculty, in administration and admissions support, and as Program Coordinator for Advanced Yoga Studies (YTT 300), Ayurveda Educator (AE), and Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) programs. Drawing on decades of experience in education, including general and special education, Lizzy approaches teaching as a path of self-inquiry, balance and healing, and is committed to supporting students in cultivating awareness, resilience and harmony in daily life.
