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A Spiritual Quest set in a milieu of True Vedic Heritage
Kirtan Forever is offering a practice of authentic yoga, unchanged since thousands of years, passing down to us through an eternal line of Gaudiya Vaisnava spiritual masters. Uncover I, the soul, through Bhakti yoga. Join us in Rishikesh and Vrindavan. Enter the pure Vedic times and live a genuine exalted culture. Choose a direct access to the spiritual – a palpable awareness that remains imperishable throughout our worldly sojourn.
Kirtan Forever Retreats supports and promotes spiritual practices through mantra chanting and Vedic lifestyle. We aim to rise above the senses, free the mind and liberate the soul from the physical. The retreat offers an ashram life experience based on sense control. Participants will abstain from non-vegetarian food including garlic and onions during the retreat. They will also refrain from all types of intoxication and illicit sex.
What we offer
You will practice asanas and pranayama. Yoga controls the physical body and senses. The still mind then rests in Dhyana yoga, where one can sit for hours in meditation.
Chanting sacred mantras on beads screens and regulates thoughts entering the mind. It’s an eternal method that uncovers I, the Soul and connects to the Origin of existence.
Call and response chant of divine mantras enabling mental and emotional immersion in Spiritual Sound. Chanters channel the mind to capture the Sacred Sound in the heart. A perceptible awareness of the Spirit awakens, and pure bliss takes over, obliterating the temporal insignificant.
Sanskrit is the language of the extensive Vedas. Through millenniums an unbroken line of Masters have handed down the secrets of the origin and practice of Bhakti, Yoga, and Saddhana according to authentic Sanskrit texts. They reveal knowledge of the soul, mind, intelligence, senses, physical nature, Karma, and God through self-realization.
We offer a 90-minute cooking demo of lacto-vegetarian fares adapted from various cuisines of the world, in Hrishikesh. We highlight taste, presentation and nutritionally balanced dishes using everyday ingredients.
Karatals, or cymbals are more than 5000 years old. They are probably one of the oldest rhythm instruments ranging from a few centimeters to a foot in diameter. For ½ hour for 2 days you will learn and practice some of the simple rhythms but fast learners could progress to intricate rhythms with a variety of sounds and beats.
In Rishikesh, you will stay at the Divine Resorts located on the banks of the Ganga. All rooms face the Ganga. As she rushes to the ocean, her sloshing captivates the mind. The sound of her flow calms mind and awakens divine awareness. You’ll also enjoy the green foothills of the Himalayas out of your window. In Vrindavan, you will stay at the MVT guesthouse, the best accommodation in the whole of Vrindavan. In the compound a beautiful, well-maintained garden attracts dozens of chattering parrots, loud sun birds and cooing pigeons. But beware of cheeky monkeys! Both Rishikesh and Vrindavan offer daily housekeeping
Couples will share the same room. You will occupy the same space if you came with a friend. Else, people of the same biological sex will be lodged together.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh nestles among the foothills of the Himalayas. Sacred Ganga, dividing it in two, lends her banks to saintly ascetics living austerely for spiritual upliftment. Besides, the lush, misty hills dropping at her edge inspire tranquility of the mind while the body relaxes. In some places, the sound of her rapids evokes deep meditation. The air is pure and rich in goodness. Yoga of the body and spirit comes easy. Language of the Soul is spoken here.
Divine Resort is on the banks of the Ganga. You’ll stay in the executive room, Ganga view. They are comfortable rooms, beautifully furnished. You will be served delicious, sanctified vegetarian food. We offer knowledge based on old, timeless Vedic texts, while Kirtan reveals the eternal, blissful and sentient nature of an open and willing heart. Yoga asanas will keep you limber. A Karatal workshop and cooking demo will enrich your daily activities. We’ll visit holy places and sit on the banks of Ganga; we’ll hear about the old world. Its prints are still visible.
Vrindavan
Vrindavan is the land where Krishna bhakti reigns supreme. Residents are natural lovers of Him, the most accessible form of divinity.
The MVT guesthouse behind the Krishna Balaram, Iskcon temple is the best in Vrindavan. Rooms are comfortable. A beautiful garden offers a space for peaceful contemplation. Yet, Vrindavan is a bustling town and can be overwhelming to newcomers.
We’ll visit sacred spots where significant happenings have left visible marks and tell of relevant pastimes. We offer you a boat ride kirtan on the Yamuna, cow brushing, more karatal learning and playing in kirtan. Seminars for beginners in bhakti-yoga and visits to old temples with explanation of their history will expand spiritual experience. Everyday we’ll close with kirtan, merging our activities and thoughts of the day and presenting them as an offering to the Divine Person of Kirtan.
Rishikesh Schedule
You’ll be lodged at the Divine Resort. Daily cleaning and towels are included. 3 meals per day are offered. Delhi – Rishikesh is about a 5-hr ride.
Pick-ups – Delhi 8 am in front of the pillar 15 with Vikram
2:00pm – refreshments
4:30pm – 6pm: Rishikesh, welcome & introduction
6:00pm – 6.30pm: kirtan
6:30pm – supper and rest
6.30am – 8am: yoga with Debbie
8.30am – 9.30am: breakfast
10.15am – 11.30am: Jaya Radha Madhava kirtan with Radhika. Kirtan workshop by Radhika + one round Japa meditation
11.30am – 12.30pm: meditative kirtan with Madhava
1pm – 2.30: lunch and rest
2.30pm – 3.50pm: cooking demo with Radhika
4pm – 4.30pm: karatala lessons and practice in kirtan (Part I)
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Ganga stories & kirtan on Ganga banks
7.00pm – supper and rest
6.00am – 12pm: Car ride to Deva Prayag. History with Vikram. One round Japa meditation. Short Kirtan with Madhava
12.30pm – 3.00pm: lunch and rest
3:00pm – 4.30pm: Jay Radha Madhava kirtan with Radhika. History of Vedic times. Q&A.
5:00pm – 5.45pm: relaxation yoga with Debbie
5:45pm – 6.45pm: kirtan with Madhava
7:00pm – supper and rest
6.30 am – 8.00 am: yoga session with Debbie
8.30am – 9.15am: breakfast
9.30am – 12.45pm: discovering Holy Rishikesh with Vikram
1pm – 3.30pm: lunch and rest
3.30pm – 4.30pm: last kirtan with Madhava
5pm – 6.30pm: Ganga Arotik with Vikram
7.30pm – supper and rest
Vrindavan Schedule
Towels and daily cleaning are offered. Lunch is included. Breakfasts are offered twice and supper once. Excursions to ancient places of spiritual significance start early and we recommend BYO breakfast. Also, the famous MVT restaurant caters to the western palate.
6.30am – check-out from Rishikesh and start for Vrindavan. Hotel provides breakfast packs.
3pm – 4pm – check-in Vrindavan
5.30pm – 6.15pm introduction to Vrindavan & kirtan with Madhava
6.30 – Dinner at the MVT restaurant, offered by KF retreat
7am – 7.45am Krishna Balaram Temple morning program
8am – 9am breakfast
10am – 11.30am: Introduction to Vrindavan & a synopsis on Bhakti yoga with Radhika
11:45am – 12.50pm: kirtan with Madhava
1 pm – 2.30pm: Lunch and rest
3pm – 5pm: ISKCON Goshala & Govinda jaya kirtan with Madhava & Deva
6.30pm – supper, not included in package
7.30 pm – 8.00pm kirtan on MVT lawn
6am – 12noon: Car ride to Kamyavan. BYO (Bring your own) breakfast at Bhojansthali
1pm – 2.30pm: Lunch and rest
3pm – 4.15pm seminar for beginners in Bhakti & Q&A with Radhika
4.20pm – 4.45pm kartal workshop & practice with Madhava & Deva
5.00pm – 6pm: meditative Kirtan with Madhava
6.30pm – supper, not included in package
7.30pm – 8pm: kirtan on MVT lawn
6am – 7.15am: Boat ride to Durvasa Muni ashram & kirtan.
7.45am – 8.15am: Breakfast (BYO).
8.15am – 9.30am: History with Vikram. Seminar on Krishna, the Person & Personal Divinity in Vaisnavism + Q&A, with Radhika.
9.45am – 10.50am: kirtan with Madhava
11am – car ride back to MVT
1pm – 2.30pm: Lunch & Rest
3pm – 6pm: Taityastan & shopping in Loi bazaar (optional)
6.30pm – supper, not included in package
7.30pm – 8pm: kirtan on MVT lawn
7am – 7.45am: Krishna Balaram temple morning program
8.00am – 8.50am: Closing ceremony in yogashalla.
9am – brunch at restaurant, offered by KF retreat
11am – check out and departure
Airport pick-ups and drop-offs are included. We respectfully request the participants to time their flights, landing on Oct 2nd very early to facilitate pick-up at 8 am. Best is to already be in Delhi one day prior. Vikram will wait for you outside Terminal 3 International exit, in front of pillar 15. It’s about a 5-to-6-hour drive to Rishikesh. Drop-off to the airport from Vrindavan is at 11 am on Oct 10, to international terminal 3, and is a 3-hour drive. Those wishing to leave later will be charged Rs.4500 per car.
Pricing
Normal Price: CHF 1895
Early bird: CHF 1695 – book by June 15th
PRACTICAL DEVOTION
Meet Your Facilitators
They have been practicing bhakti-yogis for decades. They will walk you through the journey of active, spiritual reality
Madhava
Madhava, born on the island of Mauritius, grew up amidst devotional activities. At 18 he went to Vrindavan, the land of Krishna in India, to pursue his own spiritual practices under the guidance of legendary 24-hour Kirtan director Aindra das, where he stayed for 6 years. His mentor then instructed him to always make chanting and distribution of the Sacred Mantra his life’s goal.
Radhika
Radhika was born in Mauritius and has been practicing Bhakti yoga for over 40 years. She is also the wife of Madhava, travelling the world at his side. She is experienced in different Bhakti arts and is a cooking instructor for delicious vegetarian fares from various cuisines. She also serves as a facilitator in workshops detailing Bhakti yoga and Sadhana Bhakti.
Vikramaditiyan (Vikram)
Born in South India, he graduated in Graphic Design from Northumbria University in the UK. He now lives in Goverdhan, a sacred area connected to Krishna, where he usually serves saints and ascetic in the area. Over the years he has helped with numerous Kirtan and Yoga events. He also regularly assists international groups on their pilgrimage. Besides, he has a good knowledge of various sacred spots in India.
Deva Sekharah
Deva Sekharah was born of Hare Krishna parents in Spain. He now lives in Vrindavan, India. Since childhood the mridanga drum has fascinated him. Besides, his skilled videos and expert photography attract professionals. His images and video clips generate striking visuals that enchant the mind and entice the senses.
Debbie
Debbie is from Holland but she lives with her family in Portugal, where they are building a yoga retreat centre. She teaches Hatha and Yin yoga since 10 years and regularly plans yoga retreats in Holland, Bali, Portugal and India. Since 6 years she does annual kirtan events together with Madhava in Holland.
You!
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Getting There
Transportation includes pick-ups from Delhi to Rishikesh, Rishikesh to Vrindavan and Vrindavan back to Delhi. If you want to travel privately or outside of the given schedule, charges will apply. The rides Delhi – Rishikesh, Rishikesh – Vrindavan are minimum 6 hours. You will be supplied with water, fruits, and snacks.
You will need a valid tourist visa to enter India if you are a foreigner. Use the following address:
MVT Guesthouse,
Bhaktivedanta swami Marg
Behind Iskcon Temple Raman Reti, Uttar Pradesh 281121,
Vrindavan, India.
Madhava: +91 8755536108
WhatsApp: +41 763211899
Vikram: +91 9758516108
For a safe, untroubled trip you might consider inoculations, though most travelers to the East and Far East don’t do it. Bring a good mosquito repellant. Shops around the hotel will have necessities. Please bring your own yoga mat.
We guarantee you a safe environment at this retreat. Still, we’ll be coming together as a group and should be mindful of others and local social structure and customs.