The Aaroha Musical Wellness Retreat is set to take place at the serene Punarnava Wellness Resort in Dehradun from December 13 to 15, 2024. This three-day event offers a distinctive blend of classical and Sufi music, wellness practices, and spiritual insights designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Spiritual leader Vaishnavacharya Shree Abhishek Goswami Maharaj will open the retreat, introducing its theme of healing through music, spirituality, and nature. Highlighting the therapeutic power of sound, the event features an impressive lineup of artists, including:

• Harshdeep Kaur, the "Queen of Sufi"

• Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar

• Pt. Ajay Prasanna, master of the flute

• Akansha Grover, classical vocalist

• Divyansh and Manuraj, fusion maestros

Goswami Maharaj emphasized the retreat’s purpose, stating, “Aaroha is a space where music meets spirituality and nature, creating a transformative experience that fosters mindfulness and emotional well-being.”

The retreat's carefully curated program includes live performances and interactive workshops led by spiritual gurus and aura healing experts. Participants can also engage in meditation sessions, sound baths, yoga, and Ayurveda therapies, provided in collaboration with the Kairali Ayurvedic Group.

Day 1 begins with a traditional baithak by Akansha Grover, followed by a performance from Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar, who will evoke the rich cultural essence of Marwar. Day 2 includes aura healing with Maa Amrita, a morning flute recital by Pt. Ajay Prasanna, and an evening Sufi performance by Harshdeep Kaur. Fusion artists Divyansh and Manuraj will close the day with an exhilarating act.

The retreat concludes on Day 3 with a special “Prakriti ki Aarti” ceremony led by Goswami Maharaj and Pt. Ajay Prasanna, accompanied by meditative music to enhance spiritual connection and peace.

Bani Sharma, Project Head, described the event as “a rare opportunity to engage with a spectrum of wellness practices and immerse oneself in soulful music, all carefully curated to deliver a rejuvenating experience. Aaroha is an invitation to leave behind the stress and find a connection in a beautiful setting.”

The retreat offers deluxe packages starting at ₹80,000 per couple, which include accommodation, meals, and VIP access to performances and wellness activities. Bookings can be made through BookMyShow.

About Aaroha Musical Wellness

Aaroha Musical Wellness Retreat aims to provide a soulful journey of healing, combining music, spirituality, and wellness in a natural setting. The event is designed to foster inner peace, mindfulness, and holistic health through immersive experiences.

India has been recognized as one of the top 10 most active countries during the 2024 World Wellness Weekend, a global event aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and overall well-being. The eighth edition of this event ran from September 20 to 22, involving 9,688 venues in 155 countries—a notable 54% increase from the previous year’s participation. Activities spanned from sunrise in Fiji to sunset in Maui, showcasing a unified global effort to prioritize health.

The event's reach expanded significantly, with over 1,000 new venues joining in the last four weeks leading up to the weekend. The participating locations were listed on wellmap.org, an interactive platform available in 18 languages, allowing people to find nearby activities such as fitness sessions, yoga, and massage workshops.

India stood out among countries like Spain, Italy, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico in terms of active participation. Marbella, Spain, led in venue numbers, while Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, offered the most diverse activities. Other active cities included Sao Paulo, Rome, and Buenos Aires.

World Wellness Weekend emphasized various categories: vitality, beauty, hospitality, holistic care, and longevity, covering fitness clubs, spas, hotels, wellness centers, and alternative therapy clinics. The 2024 event was also marked by new records: a 100% rise in estimated views (reaching 34 million) and social media engagement that attracted a potential audience of 3.5 billion—an impressive leap from the 430 million seen in 2023.

Highlights included the first-ever four-day wellness event, a Yoga Fest in Karatsu, Japan, supported by the city’s Town Hall. Portugal hosted the first “World Wellness Wedding,” showcasing the theme's versatility. Additionally, two renowned circus groups from Cambodia joined the weekend festivities, offering performances that highlighted the importance of well-being through art and movement.

World Wellness Weekend aligns with the World Health Organization’s efforts to address global issues like obesity, physical inactivity, and mental health. The event aims to reach beyond paying clients to include local communities and underserved groups, reinforcing the principle of #WellnessForAll. Throughout the year, the participating venues continue to appear on wellmap.org, encouraging ongoing community engagement and wellness activities.

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