Diwali Special • October 2026
A week of real Indian cooking, healing, and Diwali
This is not a resort package or a tourist program. It is a week living inside Indian culture: cooking from scratch every day, waking up to the Ganga, celebrating Diwali with a lamp in your hand, and falling asleep after a sound bath.
Over five cooking classes, you will move through all four corners of India: North, South, East, and West. Each region has its own spices, its own rhythm, its own stories. Dal makhani, fresh dosa, Bengali khichuri, Gujarati thepla, all cooked home-style, vegetarian, and organic.
Between classes: river rafting on the Ganga, a Ganga Aarti ceremony at the riverbank, a morning market run with Nandini, daily yoga, and two sound bath healing sessions. Small group. Real food. Diwali as your backdrop.
Spots are very limited - this is an intimate, small-group experience.
What You Will Experience
4 Regional Cooking Classes
North, South, East & West Indian vegetarian cuisine, each region, each day, from scratch
Diwali Celebration
Arrive on Diwali night, make traditional sweets, light oil lamps, share a festive dinner
Ganga Aarti
Stand at the riverbank for one of the most affecting ceremonies you will see in India
Two Sound Bath Sessions
Tibetan singing bowls for deep relaxation and healing, one mid-retreat, one on the final evening
River Rafting on the Ganga
White-water rafting through the Himalayan gorges, a full day on the river before the closing ceremony
Local Spice Market Tour
Walk through the old market with Nandini, smell and taste spices straight from the source
Daily Yoga & Meditation
Morning sessions every day, pranayama, breathwork, and gentle yoga beside the river
Small Group
This is not a workshop for 30 people. A small group means real attention and real connection
Day by Day Itinerary
Every day has a rhythm: morning yoga, a cooking class, time to explore, and a quiet evening. Here is what the full week looks like.
Arrival & Diwali Celebration
Theme: Welcome to India
Arrival
- Check in at Himalayan Ganga Retreat
- Welcome herbal drink & orientation
- Introduction circle with fellow participants
Cooking Experience
- Traditional Diwali sweets and festive snacks
Evening
- Diwali lamp lighting ceremony
- Festive dinner celebration
- Intention setting circle
North Indian Kitchen & Sound Bath
Theme: Himalayan & North Indian cuisine
Morning
- Yoga and meditation
- Traditional Indian chai ritual
Afternoon
- Relaxation or Ganga riverside walk
Cooking Class
- Dal makhani
- Paneer curry
- Seasonal sabzi
- Roti & paratha
- Fresh mint chutney
Evening
- Sound Bath healing session
South Indian Cooking & Ayurveda
Theme: Healing foods of South India
Morning
- Pranayama & yoga
Afternoon
- Ayurveda talk: Food as medicine
Cooking Class
- Crispy dosa from scratch
- Coconut chutney
- Sambar
- Lemon rice
- Vegetable poriyal
Evening
- Second Sound Bath healing session
East Indian Flavours & Market Visit
Theme: Light and soulful cooking
Morning
- Yoga & breathwork
Afternoon
- Visit to local spice and vegetable market
Cooking Class
- Bengali khichuri
- Pumpkin curry
- Aloo posto
- Tomato chutney
- Sandesh sweet
Evening
- Cultural storytelling: Indian kitchens through history
West Indian Cooking & Group Dinner
Theme: Colorful regional cuisine
Morning
- Yoga by the Ganga
Afternoon
- Free time & relaxation
Cooking Class
- Gujarati dal
- Vegetable thepla
- Undhiyu
- Peanut chutney
- Shrikhand dessert
Evening
- Group dinner cooked together
River Rafting & Closing Ceremony
Theme: Celebration of the Ganga
Morning
- River rafting on the Ganga
Afternoon
- Rest and integration time
- Final cooking session together
Evening
- Ganga Aarti ceremony at the riverbank
- Farewell dinner celebration
- Certificate of participation
Departure
Until next time
Morning
- Morning herbal tea & light breakfast
- Gratitude circle
- Departure. Take your recipes home.
What Is Included
Included
- 6 nights accommodation at Himalayan Ganga Retreat
- All meals throughout the retreat (vegetarian & organic)
- 5 hands-on cooking classes with Nandini
- Daily yoga & meditation sessions
- Two Sound Bath healing sessions
- River rafting on the Ganga
- Local spice and vegetable market tour
- Diwali celebration evening
- Ganga Aarti experience
- Farewell dinner & certificate of participation
- Take-home recipe booklet
- Welcome herbal drink on arrival
Good to Know
- International flights not included
- Airport/station transfers available on request
- Travel insurance recommended
- No prior cooking experience needed
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- All dietary requirements accommodated
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (DED)
- Nearest train station: Haridwar (HW)
All food cooked during the retreat is 100% vegetarian and organic. We source ingredients from local farmers and the daily Rishikesh market.
The Experience in Photos
