Global Youth Retreat for Spiritual Empowerment
"What is Global Youth Retreat ? It's global, everyone is invited. If you are youth it is time to invest in yourself, invest now and you'll be a spiritual billionaire when you get older. And it is a retreat - you have to get away from the grind, because life will keep grinding you, unless you make a plan to break free, and this is the way to go - go to the dham with a bunch of friends and you'll have fun. What will you get out of it ? You do get fun, you'll get wisdom from travel, you get prasadam extraordinaire, you get friends and you also get a taste that will last you for the rest of your life. Once you taste the hearing and chanting and visiting the holy places you will never forget it, it becomes part of you - that's the investment." - Vaisesika Prabhu
“You are the young generation; you are the flower of your country and society. Practice this most sublime system, Krsna consciousness. Be happy and make others happy. This is the real mission of life.” - Srila Prabhupada
Join the global youth retreat in Kolkata & Mayapura.
Devotees aged 14-25, from all parts of the world, will come together for sadhu-sanga, kirtana, Krishna-katha, and service together in three holy dhamas.
Program
• Full morning program• Japa circle: “Make Japa Great Again.”
• Srimad Bhagavatam class
• Service to the dhāma and its residents through prasadam distribution
• Visitation of various pastimes places of Lord Caitanya and His eternal associates
• Harinama and book distribution
• Creative group activities & quizzes
• Youth group presentations
• Journaling
• And much more ...
Govardhan Ecovillage( 4 days )
Govardhan Ecovillage spreads in 100+ acres of land in Palghar, India. With foundational principle ‘Simple living and high thinking’; community strives to live in harmony with divine, self, nature, community members & neighboring communities. It is the result of an ardent desire of Radhanatha Swami to fulfill the dream of his beloved guru, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada – “To erect for the members and society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.”
Kolkata( 2 days )
The birthplace of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. After establishing various temples around the world, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Sridam Mayapur( 6 days )
The birth and pastime place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the most munificent incarnation of the Lord who gives the highest spiritual love to everyone without discrimination. Mayapur is the “Audarya Dhama,” or the holy place where mercy flows unlimitedly!
What's included
• Local Airport transfers• International flights if the whole package is chosen
• Domestic flight (Bombay to Kolkata)
• Accommodation for 4 nights in GEV, 2 nights in Kolkata & 6 Nights in Mayapur (based on two youths sharing the room)
• Temple Donations
• Swimming Pools access at GEV
• Yoga sessions at GEV
• Local Travel during the Retreat
• Daily Guided Trips
• 3 daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Light Dinner)
• Training for book distribution and prasadam distribution in the dhama
• Pre-retreat readings and sangas on Zoom
• Travel tips document
• Fun and educational activities • Donation for local temples
What's not included
• Visa / OCI• Travel insurance
• Laundry
Speakers
HG Vaisesika Dasa His Grace Vaisesika Dasa was born in 1956. As a teen, he was an avid spiritual seeker. Soon after receiving a Back to Godhead magazine from a friend in the spring of 1973, he moved into the ISKCON temple in San Francisco at the age of sixteen, and with the blessings of his parents, became a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and a full-time monk dedicated to the practice of Krishna bhakti. Today he lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Nirakula Devi Dasi, also a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Together they have developed an ISKCON spiritual community of three hundred families in Silicon Valley, which is based on the study and distribution of Srila Prabhupadas books. He is an initiating guru and spiritual master in ISKCON. He travels widely to teach the tenets of devotional service and the great art of distributing Srila Prabhupadas books.
HG Nirakula Devi Dasi As an exemplary partner and devotee, Nirakula Devi Dasi has been an integral part of Vaisesika Prabhu's spiritual journey, supporting and inspiring him in his service to Lord Krishna. Her unwavering devotion, compassion, and selflessness are cherished by the devotees around her. Nirakula Devi Dasi's kindness and warm-hearted nature have made her a guiding light for many, spreading love and spiritual wisdom within the community. Together with her husband, she exemplifies the essence of true devotion and is an inspiration to all those who seek a deeper connection with the Divine.
Key Notes
£25/$50 discount for second sibling or chaperon.Please be advised that we strongly recommend all travelers to obtain travel insurance for their trip.
Outstanding ( Based on 22 reviews )
"What is Global Youth Retreat ? It's global, everyone is invited. If you are youth it is time to invest in yourself, invest now and you'll be a spiritual billionaire when you get older. And it is a retreat - you have to get away from the grind, because life will keep grinding you, unless you make a plan to break free, and this is the way to go - go to the dham with a bunch of friends and you'll have fun. What will you get out of it ? You do get fun, you'll get wisdom from travel, you get prasadam extraordinaire, you get friends and you also get a taste that will last you for the rest of your life. Once you taste the hearing and chanting and visiting the holy places you will never forget it, it becomes part of you - that's the investment." - Vaisesika Prabhu
“You are the young generation; you are the flower of your country and society. Practice this most sublime system, Krsna consciousness. Be happy and make others happy. This is the real mission of life.” - Srila Prabhupada
Join the global youth retreat in Kolkata & Mayapura.
Devotees aged 14-25, from all parts of the world, will come together for sadhu-sanga, kirtana, Krishna-katha, and service together in three holy dhamas.
• Japa circle: “Make Japa Great Again.”
• Srimad Bhagavatam class
• Service to the dhāma and its residents through prasadam distribution
• Visitation of various pastimes places of Lord Caitanya and His eternal associates
• Harinama and book distribution
• Creative group activities & quizzes
• Youth group presentations
• Journaling
• And much more ...
Govardhan Ecovillage( 4 days )
Govardhan Ecovillage spreads in 100+ acres of land in Palghar, India. With foundational principle ‘Simple living and high thinking’; community strives to live in harmony with divine, self, nature, community members & neighboring communities. It is the result of an ardent desire of Radhanatha Swami to fulfill the dream of his beloved guru, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada – “To erect for the members and society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.”Kolkata( 2 days )
The birthplace of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. After establishing various temples around the world, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta SwamiSridam Mayapur( 6 days )
The birth and pastime place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the most munificent incarnation of the Lord who gives the highest spiritual love to everyone without discrimination. Mayapur is the “Audarya Dhama,” or the holy place where mercy flows unlimitedly!
What's included
• Local Airport transfers• International flights if the whole package is chosen
• Domestic flight (Bombay to Kolkata)
• Accommodation for 4 nights in GEV, 2 nights in Kolkata & 6 Nights in Mayapur (based on two youths sharing the room)
• Temple Donations
• Swimming Pools access at GEV
• Yoga sessions at GEV
• Local Travel during the Retreat
• Daily Guided Trips
• 3 daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Light Dinner)
• Training for book distribution and prasadam distribution in the dhama
• Pre-retreat readings and sangas on Zoom
• Travel tips document
• Fun and educational activities • Donation for local temples
What's not included
• Visa / OCI• Travel insurance
• Laundry
Please be advised that we strongly recommend all travelers to obtain travel insurance for their trip.
Outstanding ( Based on 22 reviews )
22 reviews
Janaki
30 Nov -0001It was genuinely the best experience of my life! I was happy and blissful throughout the whole thing!!
Wendy
30 Nov -0001Pure nectar from beginning to end! Thank you so much!
Arjun
30 Nov -0001Other than a few shortcomings, which only occurred because of uncontrollable circumstances, the yatra went really well. The team was really good with organizing and maintaining everything, and I was able to enjoy my time in the dham and re-energize spiritually.
Nitai
30 Nov -0001The retreat was amazing. I loved both of the dhams, and I also made new friends. I will remember this great experience for a long time.
Aniruddh
30 Nov -0001It was really nice, the friendly relation with everyone was also lovely and I would usually never like to sit in a lecture or going to Japa session but this time I loved it and found them really fun. Everythiong was just really fun and amazing. HAre Krishna
Radhika
30 Nov -0001The experience was amazing. I felt at home with everyone there. The food and the hotels was better than what I thought it would be.
Radhe
30 Nov -0001Incredible! The best 10 days of my life
Swati
30 Nov -0001Very well organized,it was a difficult task but done very smoothly.
30 Nov -0001Overall great experience in all areas and outstanding work with Divyanam Pr and Mukharavinda Pr in planning and staying calm in case of things not happening per plan. Based on the experience here are some suggestions from my end - - defining clear responsibilities for Chaperone and clearly letting youth know and acknowledging that. Some chaperone struggled to convince youth to stick to the plan - water kettle and electrolytes availability - thermometer availability - general medicine availability for cough, sore throat and fever - food arrangement in case kids are sick - plan to have secondary chaperone in case of sickness - better to have clear accommodation (like mayapur) - when there are multiple bus/ auto, better planning needed (like the way it was done for Puri to Mayapur) - more lollipops - ensure kids keep some snacks with them.
Radha
30 Nov -0001This yatra was incredible. From the accommodation service to the lectures and Kirtans. Being able to meet new people has made this yatra even more exciting and memorable. Also having discussions about topics with people of similar age helps me stay focused in my Sadhana. Seeing all of the beautiful deities has made me so much happier. I pray that these Yatra’s will continue!
Avaneesh
30 Nov -0001Really really enjoyed the yatra. It was amazing to be able to visit the holy dhams in the presence of Vaisesika Prabhuji and Nirakula Mataji, hear Maharaj’s classes, all the programs, as well as being exposed to international travel for the first time without my parents.
Pooja
30 Nov -0001I appreciate all of you! So much! Thank you for your unflinching service and love to all the kids! Spiritually and emotionally and physically you took care of all of the kids!
Advait
30 Nov -0001My overall expirience was blissful. Thank you for making it so that we did not have to worry about anything, the yatra was worry free
Mansi
30 Nov -0001It was very uplifting, inspiring and blissful experience to see enthusiasm of all devotees.
- 30 Nov -0001
It was good and very grateful to all the organizers and team for this wonderful and blissful yatra experience. My gratitude to Dear Vaisesika Prabhuji and Nirakula mataji for this wonderful opportunity. Looking forward for next year yatra.
Giridhari
30 Nov -0001Overall great but the sickness made little inconvenience
- 30 Nov -0001
The retreat was designed to give an opportunity for absorbing the spiritual potency in a dham in the association of devotees. This went well for the first part of the retreat until some devotees started to fall sick. While this is not fully under ones control, it does bring to question if there can be ways in which deep immersive experience can be given in small bursts so it is more smooth and pleasant health wise and inclusive for the majority. Those who fall sick tend to feel left out.
Sunita
30 Nov -0001It was one of its kind.
Advaith
30 Nov -0001The overall experience was amazing. I will definitely not forget this trip and all the memories I made. The retreat was well planned out. There was a good opportunity to take advantage of the classes, kirtans, activities, and parikramas but at the same time, there was plenty of time for everyone to relax. The bus travel from Puri from Mayapur seemed quite long but with the association of the devotees, the time we spent on the road went by quickly
Gitapriya
30 Nov -0001my experience was blissful. i enjoyed the association in both mayapur and jagannath puri. i was so grateful i was able to experience the yatra along with my guru maharaj and my friends. although the accommodation in puri was a little difficult, the rest of the trip went extremely smooth. i have no complaints and i would liek to thank all the coordinators for all their hard work. hare krsna!
Surabhi
30 Nov -0001I had so much and progressed so much spiritually from this Yatra. Thank you to all the devotees who made it what it was! And thank you to Maharaj for his lessons on Dham and in life!
Chaitanya
30 Nov -0001Fabulous experience overall - scarcely felt any discomfort or a feeling of being in the wrong place. I’d undergone enrichment in spiritual practices and more motivated to maintain discipline for long-term daily routines such as chanting and reading sastra. Visiting locations in the dham that I’d previously only read/heard about felt like the highest privilege. Alongside many friends, old and new, and with the guidance of Vaisesika Maharaja, I feel I’ve been able to make the most out of this retreat.
22 reviews
Janaki
30 Nov -0001It was genuinely the best experience of my life! I was happy and blissful throughout the whole thing!!
Wendy
30 Nov -0001Pure nectar from beginning to end! Thank you so much!
Arjun
30 Nov -0001Other than a few shortcomings, which only occurred because of uncontrollable circumstances, the yatra went really well. The team was really good with organizing and maintaining everything, and I was able to enjoy my time in the dham and re-energize spiritually.
Nitai
30 Nov -0001The retreat was amazing. I loved both of the dhams, and I also made new friends. I will remember this great experience for a long time.
Aniruddh
30 Nov -0001It was really nice, the friendly relation with everyone was also lovely and I would usually never like to sit in a lecture or going to Japa session but this time I loved it and found them really fun. Everythiong was just really fun and amazing. HAre Krishna
Radhika
30 Nov -0001The experience was amazing. I felt at home with everyone there. The food and the hotels was better than what I thought it would be.
Radhe
30 Nov -0001Incredible! The best 10 days of my life
Swati
30 Nov -0001Very well organized,it was a difficult task but done very smoothly.
Overall great experience in all areas and outstanding work with Divyanam Pr and Mukharavinda Pr in planning and staying calm in case of things not happening per plan. Based on the experience here are some suggestions from my end - - defining clear responsibilities for Chaperone and clearly letting youth know and acknowledging that. Some chaperone struggled to convince youth to stick to the plan - water kettle and electrolytes availability - thermometer availability - general medicine availability for cough, sore throat and fever - food arrangement in case kids are sick - plan to have secondary chaperone in case of sickness - better to have clear accommodation (like mayapur) - when there are multiple bus/ auto, better planning needed (like the way it was done for Puri to Mayapur) - more lollipops - ensure kids keep some snacks with them.
Radha
30 Nov -0001This yatra was incredible. From the accommodation service to the lectures and Kirtans. Being able to meet new people has made this yatra even more exciting and memorable. Also having discussions about topics with people of similar age helps me stay focused in my Sadhana. Seeing all of the beautiful deities has made me so much happier. I pray that these Yatra’s will continue!
Avaneesh
30 Nov -0001Really really enjoyed the yatra. It was amazing to be able to visit the holy dhams in the presence of Vaisesika Prabhuji and Nirakula Mataji, hear Maharaj’s classes, all the programs, as well as being exposed to international travel for the first time without my parents.
Pooja
30 Nov -0001I appreciate all of you! So much! Thank you for your unflinching service and love to all the kids! Spiritually and emotionally and physically you took care of all of the kids!
Advait
30 Nov -0001My overall expirience was blissful. Thank you for making it so that we did not have to worry about anything, the yatra was worry free
Mansi
30 Nov -0001It was very uplifting, inspiring and blissful experience to see enthusiasm of all devotees.
It was good and very grateful to all the organizers and team for this wonderful and blissful yatra experience. My gratitude to Dear Vaisesika Prabhuji and Nirakula mataji for this wonderful opportunity. Looking forward for next year yatra.
Giridhari
30 Nov -0001Overall great but the sickness made little inconvenience
The retreat was designed to give an opportunity for absorbing the spiritual potency in a dham in the association of devotees. This went well for the first part of the retreat until some devotees started to fall sick. While this is not fully under ones control, it does bring to question if there can be ways in which deep immersive experience can be given in small bursts so it is more smooth and pleasant health wise and inclusive for the majority. Those who fall sick tend to feel left out.
Sunita
30 Nov -0001It was one of its kind.
Advaith
30 Nov -0001The overall experience was amazing. I will definitely not forget this trip and all the memories I made. The retreat was well planned out. There was a good opportunity to take advantage of the classes, kirtans, activities, and parikramas but at the same time, there was plenty of time for everyone to relax. The bus travel from Puri from Mayapur seemed quite long but with the association of the devotees, the time we spent on the road went by quickly
Gitapriya
30 Nov -0001my experience was blissful. i enjoyed the association in both mayapur and jagannath puri. i was so grateful i was able to experience the yatra along with my guru maharaj and my friends. although the accommodation in puri was a little difficult, the rest of the trip went extremely smooth. i have no complaints and i would liek to thank all the coordinators for all their hard work. hare krsna!
Surabhi
30 Nov -0001I had so much and progressed so much spiritually from this Yatra. Thank you to all the devotees who made it what it was! And thank you to Maharaj for his lessons on Dham and in life!
Chaitanya
30 Nov -0001Fabulous experience overall - scarcely felt any discomfort or a feeling of being in the wrong place. I’d undergone enrichment in spiritual practices and more motivated to maintain discipline for long-term daily routines such as chanting and reading sastra. Visiting locations in the dham that I’d previously only read/heard about felt like the highest privilege. Alongside many friends, old and new, and with the guidance of Vaisesika Maharaja, I feel I’ve been able to make the most out of this retreat.