Rishikesh, the holy city in the Himalayas , is located in the district of Dehradun in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal. The name takes the meaning from Rishi (Sage) and Kesh (Mount), meaning the Mountain of Sages ; or the spiritual abode, the home of spirituality. Rishikesh is supposed to be the starting point for the spiritual journey to the four important pilgrimage centers.

Temperature

• The climate of Rishikesh in the district of Dehradun is generally temperate.
• The temperature in the month of February is usually between 10 – 20 degrees Celsius.
• The days are pleasant and warm, while the late evenings get cooler in the Spring-like season of February.

 Clothes to Bring

At the Conference, evening prayers will be held on the bank of the River Ganga when it can become quite cold. The main conference inland, under a tent, can become warm when sunny.  Thus will be a large gradient in temperature from cold at night and warm during the day.  It is advised that you bring layers of clothing such that you can wear multiple layers to keep warm and a few layers when it is hot.

Languages Spoken

• Hindi (the national language of India )
• Garhwali (the local language of Rishikesh)
• English 

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS FOR OUR CONFERENCE DELEGATES

1)     Venue of the Conference: Parmarth Niketan Ashram,  P.O. Swargashram,  Rishikesh – Himalayas, Uttarkhand - 249304 INDIA

2)       The Conference hall is by the River Ganges.

3)      As the venue of the Conference is Parmarth Niketan Ashram, all are requested to dress modestly and soberly, in a way that shows respect for the tradition of Ashram life.

4)       The participants who are interested to participate in the Dhanvantari Homam may bring their Indian traditional dress (preferably dhoti/mundu/pyjama & kurta for men and saree/ salwar kameez for women)

5)       Participants who are registering to participate in the Yoga sessions should bring with them suitable dress which will enable free movements.

 6)       During the conference days, the climate in Rishikesh will be pleasant in the day, and cool in the evenings and nights. All the participants can bring some warm clothes accordingly.

7)       Although the Ashram provide blankets, it will be good to bring a shawl or light sweater with you, especially if you are sensitive to cold.

8)       Carrying a torch and mosquito repellent with you would be useful as well.

9)       If you need to withdraw money, there are ATM counters in Rishikesh.

10)   Rishikesh is an important pilgrimage place in the Himalayas; and hence it is ideal to book your accommodation well in advance. If you have already booked your accommodation with us, it is fine. If you need our help in this regard, please visit our website, where the details of accommodation are available; or you may contact us at conference@punarnava.com . Please know that ACCOMMODATION WILL BE ARRANGED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS; hence you may please decide in this regard soon.

11)   Please do let us know your travel plans as soon as they are finalised.