The Hindu Council of New Zealand, in collaboration with the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum, has announced its second “Pilgrimage to Bharat” – a two-week spiritual journey aimed at deepening participants' connections to cultural and Dharmic heritage. Led by Dr. Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, the pilgrimage invites 20-25 participants from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and India to experience sacred sites and historic landmarks from January 27 to February 12, 2025.
The itinerary includes stops at significant spiritual destinations such as the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, the newly inaugurated Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and the recently revitalised Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi. Starting and ending in New Delhi, the journey will encompass Kurukshetra, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Prayagraj, Vrindavan, and Mathura. Pilgrims will be accompanied by local experts who will offer insights into the spiritual and cultural significance of each location.
Reflections from the First 'Bharat Yatra'
The first 'Bharat Yatra' showed Mahamangala Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Holi celebrations with temple priests, and a photo with Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Pilgrims enjoyed yoga with Baba Ramdev at Patanjali Ashram, attended Ganga Aarti with Swami Chidanand Muni at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, and took a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Delegates also met with Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Union Minister of State, and Dr. Chinmaya Pandya, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar.
The Ganga Samiti, represented by Shri Tanmay Vashisht, offered participants the opportunity to light ceremonial lamps during the Ganga Aarti in Haridwar, and a special pooja will be held for the 2025 delegates. A full report on the first pilgrimage is available here.
Limited Spots Available – Register Now!
Due to limited availability, the Hindu Council of New Zealand and the HOTA Forum encourage those interested in this journey to register early. For details on the itinerary, pricing, and registration, contact the Hindu Council via:
Established in 1996 and incorporated in 2006, the Hindu Council of New Zealand is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Indian culture and values in New Zealand. Through events like the New Zealand National Hindu conferences, Health for Humanity Yogathon, and Hindu Māori Hui, the council fosters interfaith understanding, community cohesion, and spiritual growth.
For media inquiries or additional information, contact: Prof. Guna Magesan
President, Hindu Council of New Zealand
Coordinator, Hindu Leaders Pilgrimage
+64 21 034 5621
hindu.nz@gmail.com