Sampradāya & Parampara: Tracing the Living Lineage of Ashtanga within the Wider Yoga Tradition

This year’s Kashi Yatra is dedicated to Sampradāya—the living transmission of yoga, knowledge, and devotion from teacher to student. The entire retreat is woven around a deeper understanding of parampara and how each of us becomes part of this timeless current of transmission.

This Yatra is divided into two complementary parts:
the first is a steady immersion in Kashi, rooted in daily practice, study, and sacred presence; the second is en route, travelling through Bodhgaya and Kolkata to experience the sacred geography, culture, and living traditions that extend beyond Varanasi.

Designed for students with an established Mysore practice and familiarity with our approach, as well as teachers wishing to deepen their understanding of yogic practice and tradition so they may pass this knowledge to their own Shala and communities.

KASHI – VARANASI – BANARES

Each morning in Kashi (called also Varanasi or Banares) begins before the sun. The sky is still blue-grey, and the Ganges moves quietly, like the breath of an ancient being awakening. You walk through narrow lanes, past rising incense and the soft murmur of prayers, until you arrive at the shala.

Here, in the heart of this sacred city, the day begins with Mysore practice — guided by Usha, Simona, and Christina three teachers rooted in lineage and devoted to transmitting it with integrity.

After practice, you gather for Vedic chanting, learning to shape each sound with precision, reverence, and joy. Christina and Usha guide you into the subtleties of recitation — not just how to chant, but how to listen with your whole being.

Later, as the day warms, Kashi reveals her teachings through her streets.

With Simona leading the way — someone who has walked these paths for many years — you explore a different corner of the city each day: ancient temples, hidden shrines, markets fragrant with flowers and spices, river ghats echoing with centuries of devotion.

You visit a traditional Gurukula, where young students live and learn the Yogah and the Vedas as they have for generations. You meet teachers devoted to preserving this sacred knowledge. And in simple conversations, under shaded courtyards or the open sky, you come to understand what paramparā truly means.

In the afternoons, you sit together for teachings on Yoga, Tantra, and Vedānta, guided by Usha and local scholars — Acharyas, MAs, and PhDs who carry deep understanding.

You learn not just from books, but from the living presence of those who embody the wisdom they speak.

At sunset, you walk to the river for Ganga Aarti — the fire, the chanting, the rising smoke, the bells calling thousands of voices into one. You feel something ancient move within you, something beyond words.

Each day is a tapestry of practice, study, exploration, and devotion, where conversations unfold naturally. Tea is shared. Laughter rises. Friendships form effortlessly. And through it all, Kashi holds you — revealing her mysteries slowly, gently, powerfully not by imitation, but by experience — through the body, the voice, the heart, and the living presence of this extraordinary city.

Extension to BODGAYA and KOLKATA from 7th/12th

Following our time in Kashi, we continue the journey with a special extension that leads us into two of India’s most meaningful spiritual and cultural centers: Bodhgaya and Kolkata.

We travel first to Bodhgaya, the sacred place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. Here, the atmosphere is deeply contemplative and charged with devotion. We will spend two nights exploring the Mahabodhi Temple complex, meditating at the sites associated with the Buddha’s awakening, and witnessing the unique diversity of Buddhist traditions that coexist in this holy city.Here is the revised version including all the additional places and experiences, woven smoothly into the text:

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From Bodhgaya, we travel east by train to Kolkata, a city alive with history, literature, spirituality, and artistic depth. During our three-night stay, we will experience the vibrant rhythm of the city—its temples, colonial heritage, river ghats, cultural districts, and the living traditions that make Kolkata one of India’s most soulful and compelling metropolises.

Our time here includes morning yoga, visit at the Ramakrishna Ashram, visits to the Kali Temple, Mother Teresa’s Home, and the famous Mullik Ghat Flower Market, offering a full immersion into the spiritual and cultural heart of the city.

This extension brings together sacred presence, culture, and inner reflection—an opportunity to deepen your practice while exploring the rich and diverse spiritual tapestry of India.

ACCOMODATIONS OPTIONS:

Option 1 in Kashi : 5-Star Hotel in Front of the Ganges

The hotel is housed in a heritage property of the family of the Muksudpur Tekari State of Bihar. Its ancestors immigrated to Varanasi in the late 19th century. A private home, known for its warm hospitality, it was converted into a hotel in 1990. Recreating the atmosphere of a bygone era, the hotel has become a meeting point for artists, writers and scholars over the years.

• Accommodation: 6 nights in a single room/shared room at a 5-star hotel plus breakfast.
• Location: Hotel in front of the Ganges.
• Privacy: Private accommodation ensures personal space and comfort.
• Amenities: private bathroom, room service, AC, and library with its wide collection of books on Indian art, Indian culture and history, aesthetics, textiles, metal art, craft, philosophy and photography.

Option 2 in Kashi : Shared Accommodation in a local Ashram

• Accommodation: 6 nights in shared accommodation in a traditional Ashram;
• Location: In front of the Ganges,
• Atmosphere: A more traditional and cultural experience. Sharing accommodation might foster a sense of community and connection with fellow astangi.
• Unique Experience: Staying in the Ashram with a temple on-site provides a deeply spiritual environment and an opportunity to engage closely with local culture and practices.

Common Features in Both Options:

• Meals: 6 breakfasts included.
• Mysore Classes: Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga classes.
• Chanting Sessions: Daily VEDIC chanting sessions, likely focused on mantras or devotional hymns.
• Philosophy Classes: Discussions or lectures on
• Tours: we will explore each day a different area and temple with Simona who has been visiting and studying here yearly since 2009.
• Study Tours: Guided tours exploring a local Gurukulam, as well as the life of Krishnamacharya, while he was a student in Varanasi.

Which to Choose?

• If you prioritise privacy and modern comfort: Go for the 5-star hotel.
• If you value yoga immersion and spiritual atmosphere: The Ashram would be more fitting, offering a unique and potentially transformative experience.

Price in Kashi from the 1st/7th

Shared Accommodation with Breakfast in Hotel (total 6 nights) €1.280

Single Accommodation with Breakfast in Hotel (total 6 nights) €1.640

Shared Accommodation with Breakfast in Ashram (total 6 nights) €1.040

*A 50% deposit is required upon reservation to secure your place.* These prices don’t include the extension to Bodgaya and Kolkata.

Price in Bodgaya and Kolkata from the 7th/12th:

Shared Accommodation with Breakfast in Hotel (total 5 nights) €460

Single Accommodation with Breakfast in Hotel (total 5 nights) €680

What is INCLUDED in the price:

Everything has been organised with attention and warmth, allowing you to simply arrive and take in the experience.

• Accommodation and daily breakfast based on the option you select in Kashi.
Please note that during the extension to Bodhgaya and Kolkata, we offer one hotel option only for the entire group, ensuring we remain together throughout the journey.

• Mysore Classes
Led by Usha and Simona, following the traditional Ashtanga method.

• Vedic Chanting Course
With Christina, focusing on traditional recitation and meaning.

• Philosophy Classes
With Usha and local Acharyas—MA and Ph.D. scholars in Yoga, Tantra, and Vedānta.

• Daily Experiences & Ganga Aarti
Guided by Simona, including morning and evening explorations of sacred Varanasi.

• Visit to the Gurukula Chandramauli Trust
A traditional Vedic school and Yoga mission in Varanasi that preserves and transmits living Sampradāya.

• Krishnamacharya Heritage Tour
A guided visit tracing the legacy and history of the Krishnamacharya lineage in Varanasi.

The Yatra is all-inclusive, except for the following:

Flights and airport transfers (arrival and departure)

Airfares, visa fees, and travel insurance

Customary tips

Meals not specified in the program

Local transportation not listed in the itinerary

Special entry fees for the main sanctum of any temple

Ordered drinks

Video or still camera fees

Additional services (spa, laundry, phone bills, personal expenses, etc.)

Miscellaneous fees

Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions above

TRAVEL:

Check-in for the Yatra in KASHI will begin on the 1st, after lunch, and our journey together will close on the 7th, following breakfast. As our dates approach, we will share tailored guidance regarding travel logistics, visa requirements, health information, and safety tips for India—especially helpful for those visiting Varanasi for the first time. You are welcome to reach out at any time so we can assist you in preparing your trip with ease.
he Yatra concludes in Kashi on the 7th of March in the morning, and for those joining the extension, the journey continues until the 12th of March in the morning.

FOOD

Meals are not included in the program, as our schedule is full and we expect to be out during most lunch and dinner times. In Kashi, you can comfortably budget €10–20 per meal, with options ranging from traditional local dishes to a variety of international cuisines, as the city welcomes visitors from all over the world.

CASH & CREDIT CARDS

Payments in India are generally made in Indian Rupees, though U.S. dollars/EURO may be accepted in certain places if they are newer, clean bills in small denominations. Non-residents cannot bring Indian Rupees into or out of the country, so all currency exchange should be done upon arrival.
Major credit cards—particularly Visa and Mastercard—are accepted in large shops, hotels, and restaurants, while smaller establishments may only take cash. ATMs are widely available in cities but more limited in rural or traditional areas.

MONEY MATTERS

We recommend travelling with a combination of cash and at least two different credit cards, ensuring you have a backup if one is declined or misplaced. Before you travel, inform your bank and card providers of your dates in India and check for any international transaction fees. Smaller notes are far more convenient for daily purchases, as large bills are often not accepted by local vendors.

Between Connection and Quiet

Most international smartphones work in India, though you may need to activate international roaming before arrival. Check with your mobile provider about coverage and available data or voice packages for your stay. Staying connected is useful—but sometimes, connect is good, and disconnect is great, especially in a place as sacred as Kashi.

Accessing the Internet

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés, and public areas in larger cities. You will usually be able to get online, though speeds can vary, and in more traditional or remote areas, internet access may be limited. Often, this becomes an invitation to be fully present with the experience.