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5 Reasons to go on a Yatra (pilgrimage) to India

alexia lia pushkar india

India is a country that is known to be colourful, wild, loud and rich in culture and spirituality. To many, a journey to India feels overwhelming, yet also intriguing. Where to start?

India’s laws work differently, quite literally. And therefore, everything from the attitude to the What, Why and How needs to be adjusted when entering the Motherland. I find that India invites you to think outside the box, to leave your conditioning and explore what’s beyond the usual thought patterns, habits and assumptions.

Once we open our heart to the wild unknown, India delivers miracles. And you will not return as the same person. That’s for sure.

Here are my top 5 reasons to sign up for a Yatra (pilgrimage) to India

1.Seeking Miracles & Inspiration

What inspires more than lots of colours, movement, different people, patterns, art and heritage?

India has it all. The Motherland expresses herself in the brightest and wildest form, her energy is intense, inspiring and liberating. In the great chaos where seemingly nothing is under control, we can learn that actually, if we let go of our assumptions, everything is under control.

One of my favourite quote goes “Chaos creates opportunities”. And believe me, there are infinite opportunities to be found in India.

2. Yoga & Spiritual development

India is the home of spirituality, with Rishikesh, a small town right at the banks of the Ganges river in the foothills of the Himalayas, being the birthplace of Yoga. India’s heritage in the field of spirituality is incomparable as it has also heavily influenced the West and our now booming Yoga culture.

But what better than traveling to the source? A journey to where it all originated from may just change your life. You meet traditional teachers, healers, take part in Vedic ceremonies and Tantric rituals, enjoy devotional art and music. You connect to what Yoga & Meditation really is about on a deeper level. You anchor in an orientation for life. And that’s a treasure that you can carry with you wherever you go.

The idea of going on a spiritual journey is really part of the DNA of India itself.
– Diana Eck

3. Sangha – Community

The fun thing about a Yatra is that you travel in a group of people with similar intentions: to explore and grow. Just as intentions and accountability can strengthen in a group setting, energy can multiply. You feel supported, held and safe while exploring the Motherland AND working on yourself.

Plus, Kirtans and Mantra Circles are nothing without a Sangha.

The next Buddha will be a Sangha
– Thich Nhat Hanh

4. Temples & Devotion

Some of India’s temples are hundreds and thousands of years old. They hold so much ancient wisdom and shine in their artistic devotional excellency. Most temples are still active which means that regular worship rituals are being done. The energy in such places is indescribable. An uplifting and awe-inspiring experience that will change your mind about living a devotional life. You will just want to be part of it all.

Devotion is a way of being, it’s not something you do. It’s dedication to finding awareness and Love.
– Krishna Das

5. Ayurveda & Healing

India is also the birthplace of Ayurveda, an ancient healing modality that balances out the body-mind constitution by applying holistic therapies that involve physical treatments, Yoga & Meditation, natural foods and herbal medicine.

To me a yearly Ayurvedic cleanse (Panchakarma) or an Ayurvedic rejuvenation program has become must-do priority in my life. The traditional applications are gold for my system and a long-term preventive investment in my health.
That’s why we also like to offer Ayurveda & Healing Add-Ons after some Yatras. To rebuild, rebalance and integrate.

Health is Wealth

About the author

Alexia Daksha Damini (yogalexia)

Alexia is the founder of ALKEMY Travel, ALKEMY Soul® Studios in Vienna, ALKEMY Akademy and the Temple of She® Women’s community. She is a Tantrik Yoga, Meditation & Breathwork Teacher and KAP Practitioner with an ever lasting love for energy medicine. Her mission is to create transformational safe spaces that allow people to meet themselves at a deeper layer in order to heal and flourish from within. Alexia has more than 10 years of experience in hosting Retreats all around the world. She is a change agent of the new time, acting as a catalyst for thousands of people discovering their true nature.