27th to 31st March

ARTCATION
In Uttarakhand

A 5-Day Mindfulness Retreat in the Himalayas

let's travel outside, to dive within.

What is ARTCATION all about?

ARTCATION with Project Aaina is a holistic retreat experience that merges art and vacation into one transformative journey, redefining experiential travel. It's about embracing creativity, connecting with oneself, and immersing in the beauty of nature, while exploring new destinations. Through a carefully curated itinerary, participants engage in various art forms, mindfulness practices, and outdoor activities, fostering self-reflection and growth. It's an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and create lifelong memories in the company of like-minded individuals.
Wondering if you have to be an artist to join us? Well, let us give you some awesome news, you already are one! You do not have to be a master of the craft to know art. We are here to inculcate artistic expression through the free flow of conversations and experiences. We help build a safe space for our guests to explore their creativity, build meaningful connections, and share their stories. With intense research and spiritual application, we have curated sessions that allow our guests to establish a deeper connection with their emotions, letting go of the self they have created to reach out to the self that sits within.
The sessions include art, movement-based activities, yoga, meditation, sound healing, breath work, drum circles along with various recreational sessions.
NOTE: You don’t need to have any background in Art or be an Artist. It’s about flowing from one medium to another.

When is it happening?

27th to 31st March 2025

Where is it happening?

Our retreat this time will take place in the foothills of the Himalayas - in Dehradun.

Dehradun, a serene valley amidst the majestic Shivalik range of Uttarakhand. Known for its picturesque landscapes, pleasant climate, and colonial architecture. Cradled between the flowing waters of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, adding to its natural beauty and serenity. With its verdant greenery and rich historical heritage, Dehradun offers a harmonious blend of tranquillity and lush foliage, captivating the hearts of nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and spiritual wanderers at every turn.

Our host for this retreat will be The Blue Door - A luxury boutique homestay. The Blue Door is nestled in the foothills of Mussoorie. The area is a picture-perfect destination with scenic hills, magnificent forests with a rich biodiversity, and walking distance from the confluence of two rivers (Tons and Bithali rivers)

Designed in classic contemporary style. The Blue Door offers the perfect mix of tropical transparency & modern comfort.

We are sure to bring a slice of heaven on this earth for you!

Source- The Blue Door

What are you investing in?

The fee includes a very comfortable four night and five days stay in a luxury accommodations on double and triple sharing basis so you can come with friends or make new ones
Nourishing meals throughout the day, catering to both body and soul
More than 15 transformative sessions that foster personal growth and well-being
A carefully designed yog nidra session
A beginner's handbuilding pottery session
Extensive art sessions set amidst breathtaking views
An eco printing, block printing and natural dyeing workshop
Movement-based therapy sessions, tailored to your needs
Expertly guided chakra meditation, find your energy blockages and get on a healing journey
Experience deep relaxation and aura cleansing with therapeutic sound healing sessions
Energizing drum circles, a unique blend of self-expression and connection
A thoughtfully designed immersive art session by the serene riverside
Connect with nature's serenity through scenic hikes, forging a deeper connection with the environment
An evening baithak with live Indian classical music
Embrace vibrant evenings with barbeque gatherings and captivating campfire
Retreat from the noise and chaos, finding solace and self-connection in the serene surroundings
Engage with the local community, discovering their rich traditions and stories
Elevate your consciousness under the stars through stargazing and meditative experiences
Create lasting bonds through engaging activities, fostering connections beyond the retreat
Think of this retreat as an investment in yourself <3

What is the price of investing in yourself?

You can experience this entire Retreat for a budget of-

Triple Occupancy- INR 49,500/- per person

Double Occupancy- INR 59,500/- per person (limited seats on first come, first serve basis)

COST BREAKUP-

Actual cost of Stay, Food, Transportation & Cultural activities for 5 days- INR 34k

Program, Experience, 15+ Workshops/sessions, Materials & Curation fee- INR 16k

A portion of this money is used to provide activities for underprivileged children & women

When to Arrive and Depart?

THE EXACT RETREAT LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS WILL BE SHARED WITH YOU ONCE YOU REGISTER

You should arrive by 10 AM and check in on 27th March. To ensure a seamless start, we recommend you check-in at the venue at the latest by 11 AM, we start the retreat the same day after 2 PM and we want you to take a little time to rest before that. You can meet with your co-participants and get to know the team.

The Retreat will be conducted from 27th March to 31st March 2025, so plan your return to your destination after 12 PM on 31st March

How to Reach Dehradun?

By Air
Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is the largest commercial airfield in the state of Uttarakhand which is located 20 km away from the city centre. It provides connectivity to major metropolises of the country including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and more. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach the city, which should take you 40 to 45 minutes depending upon traffic.

By Bus

Dehradun is well connected to most cities such as Delhi, Shimla, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Agra and Mussoorie by Volvo, Deluxe, semi-deluxe and Uttarakhand State Transport buses. These buses arrive and depart from the Dehradun Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) near Clement Town.

By Train

Dehradun is connected by regular train services to cities Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ujjain, Chennai and Varanasi. The Dehradun Railway Station is located 1-2 kilometres away from the city centre and should take you only ten minutes, depending on traffic. Dehradun is connected to the rest of the country by trains such as the Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Dehradun AC Express, Doon Express, Bandra Express and the Amritsar-Dehradun Express among others.

By Road/Self drive

A popular tourist destination, Dehradun has a strong road network, which makes for a pleasant driving experience. Dehradun is well connected by road to cities like Delhi by the NH 58 and 72 is approximately a 4 hour drive. Chandigarh is located at a distance of 167 kilometres and is almost a 3 hours’ drive.

What is the Group size?

We keep the group size limited to 10-12 participants, to curate a personalized experience

What’s the day-wise journey like?

Note - This is just a brief overview of the itinerary. You are in for a lot of fun surprises.

DAY 1 - 27th March 2025

Morning: Arrive in the morning and immerse yourself in the exquisite surroundings of our location and proceed to complete the check-in process to access your accommodations.
Introduction Session: Get acquainted with fellow participants and immerse yourself in the retreat's purpose and essence.
Introductory Pottery Session- A special hand building pottery workshop which is perfect for beginners.

DAY 2 - 28th March 2025

Yog Nidra: Start your day with the ultimate relaxation technique that will help you de-stress and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Immersive Art Circle: Reconnect with your creative spirit in a serene environment, free from city distractions.
Rhythm Exploration: Engage in mindful activities to discover the art of percussion and rhythm.
Gratitude Meditation: Feel the transformative force of gratitude as you embark on a journey of self-connection and relaxation during this rejuvenating meditation session.

DAY 3 - 29th March 2025

Nature Walk: We start our day with a small hike by the river
Community Art Connection: Cherish the power of art and communication to understand community and connection in a thrilling and innovative way.
Eco Printing & Block Printing: Unleash your creativity with intricate patterns and designs on fabric or paper.
Guided Chakra Meditation & Sound Healing: Experience a rekindled sense of inner balance by soaking yourself in the transformative journey of chakra meditation and sound healing. Guided by a seasoned specialist, to lead you on this spiritual path.

DAY 4 - 30th March 2025

Movement therapy: Start the day by reconnecting with your body and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself through movement therapy.
Immersive Drum Circle: Develop a connection between your physical self and your mind in this rhythmic movement and drum circle, you also get to sense the intricate realm of your emotions.
Outdoor Art & Session by the riverside: Take a remarkable journey through nature and the enchanting art of painting in a river, providing you with an opportunity to connect with nature and yourself in this outdoor art session.
Self-Reflective Journey: Take a self-reflective journey in a meditative journaling session. Explore your inner thoughts, gain valuable insights, and create takeaways to cherish from this introspective experience.
Indian Classical Baithak: Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Indian classical music.
Bonfire and Barbecue with Music Jam: Gather around a warm bonfire for a cozy evening filled with barbecue delights and a lively music jam session. Let the crackling flames and melodious tunes create the perfect ambiance for relaxation and camaraderie.

DAY 5 - 31st March 2025

Concluding Session: Reflect on your journey, share experiences, and embrace the insights gained before we part ways, carrying the retreat’s essence into your daily life.
A small gathering
Hugs and pictures: Bid farewell to the splendid surroundings

Why should you join this retreat?

The reasons are simple:

Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.
Reclaim your spiritual balance with Art
Connect with your inner self through music therapy and sound healing
Introduction to different meditative and therapeutic techniques that can help you kick start your self-reflective journey
Stay in a serene luxury homestay in the foothills of Himalayas
Have the much needed getaway you have been thinking of that is full of mindful and fun activities
Connect with a lot of fellow travellers and experience not just a trip but a memory to cherish
Let it all flow free and let go of everything you have been tied to by breaking patterns that no longer serve you stepping into a better version of yourself

The Location

Source- The Blue Door

Source- theyayawar

Source- The Blue Door

Inclusions:

Accommodation for 4 Nights and 5 Days
Authentic meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner (All meals provided during the retreats will be vegetarian. The ingredients will be locally sourced with an aim of keeping meals fresh and nourishing, enhance the authentic cuisine experience)
Access to multiple intensive Art sessions
All the Art supplies & materials used during the sessions
Instruments for music sessions
Meditation, sound healing and movement therapy sessions

Exclusions:

Personal expenses of any nature
Transportation to and from the venue
Additional beverages or food
Any additional activities during the retreat
Medical expenses of any nature

DISCLAIMER

* You are requested to respect Nature, the culture of the region, and the sentimental values of the locals. You must refrain from acts of littering, intoxication in public areas, and disrespecting people, animals, or any places of worship at all times.

* We at Project Aaina do not support the use of any kind of Intoxication since we’re here on a spiritual journey. The use of drugs, alcohol consumption and smoking is prohibited during the retreats.

*You have to be 18+ to attend our retreats. If you are below 18, we will require you to submit an NOC signed by your parents or guardian.

*All meals provided during the retreats will be vegetarian. The ingredients will be locally sourced with an aim of keeping meals fresh and nourishing, enhance the authentic cuisine experience.

* You are responsible for yourself and your belongings for the entire duration of the Retreat. The organisers are not responsible for any theft or loss of your personal belongings or for any personal injury caused to you. The organisers are also not responsible for any personal effect during or post the trip due to Covid - 19. We are trying our best to take precautions, and your help and cooperation are appreciated.

*Uninformed movement by participants during the day and night outside the property is strictly prohibited; the host or the organizers will not be responsible for any unforeseen circumstances.

* Payment policy- You can temporarily book your seat by paying the registration fee online. Interested individuals are requested to pay the full payment inorder to secure their spot for the retreat.

* Refund policy- The registration fee and the advance payment is a non-refundable amount under any circumstances, however, we understand that an unexpected change of plans is always a possibility, so if you are unable to attend your Retreat, you can transfer your slot to someone else, do let us know at least two weeks before the start of the Retreat.

* If a Retreat has been postponed/cancelled due to Covid or any natural disaster, the payments shall be adjusted towards the rescheduled Retreat.

* A Covid - 19 negative test certificate is mandatory if you haven't got both doses of vaccine.

* If you have been previously tested positive, make sure you have completed the general self-quarantine time period of 7 days, and also given your body and mind time to recover. If your symptoms have subsided, you are most welcome. Take a test again, as the negative certificate is mandatory.

* Masks and personal sanitisers are mandatory on the trip. Make sure you carry them. It's for your own safety, and for the safety of your fellow co- travellers. Little precautions can go a long way. You are requested to help us in this, and be aware of taking necessary precautions.

*We don’t support any kind of mistreatment/bullying. Consent is a very important factor in the case of every participant and team member at Project Aaina. Happy hugs are always welcome.

*You will be asked to leave the retreat immediately if you fail to follow the above-mentioned policies.

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