Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport do I fly into?

Hyderabad International Airport (HYD). There are direct flights to Hyderabad from London and Frankfurt and several Middle East and South Asian cities.

Which visa do I apply for and where do I do this? 

Please apply for an e-tourist visa directly through the Indian Government using this website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ Do not use other 3rd party sites as they will charge more money and may not deliver a visa. 

Please select “short yoga programme” when asked to indicate your reason for visiting.

You will need to upload a photo when applying for an e-tourist visa. Here the specifications for the photo (from the India visa online website):
Format – JPEG
Size – Minimum 10 KB , Maximum 1 MB
The minimum dimensions are 350 pixels (width) x 350 pixels (height).
Recent front facing photograph with white background to be uploaded by the applicant.
Do not crop the Passport Image to use it as your recent photograph. Upload clear front facing photograph with preferable white/light coloured background.
The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded photograph are not clear and as per specification.

For many countries it is only possible to apply for this visa within 30 days of arrival to India. This is ok. You will get your visa in time, so there is no need to apply for the paper visa.

However, please check the policy for visa applicantions for residents of your country to make sure the e-tourist visa is an option for you.

If you want to apply for a multiple entry tourist visa that is valid for a longer duration, such as 3 months or 1 year, it is fine to do so.

Why can’t I submit my visa application? The date’s on the visa application don’t include December!  

For many countries, you can only apply for the e-tourist visa 30 days before your arrival to India. If this is the case for your country, you can apply in late November, and you will get your visa in time. 

What is the address and reference information I need to submit my visa application? 

Should I book a flight before I receive an approval email?

We encourage you to research flights and to even make a tentative booking, as long as you can cancel, if necessary, within 30 days or so. Please do not make a “final” booking that you cannot cancel or change, until you receive an email confirming your participation from the 10000 for World Peace office. We are doing our best to make sure approvals are sent quickly.

Will there be chartered flights?

There will not be chartered flights. Our research and discussions with the airlines indicated that they were not cost effective for our situation. 

After receiving acceptance to the course, please make your own flight arrangements, unless you completed the form to be part of the group receiving group rates. 

Can I arrive a few days early?

We encourage everyone to arrive as early as possible to rest and adjust to the time zone in order to have a better experience during the assembly. 

You will be able to stay in your accomodation at Kanha Shanti Vanam for up to five nights in advance, from 24-29 December. It is encouraged that you at least rest for three nights before the start of the assembly. Once you have received acceptance to the course you will be directed to a webpage to finally choose the accommodation you would like for the course and the amount to be paid. There will be a section asking if you would like to occupy your accommodation prior to the starting date, i.e. indicating what date you will arrive.

Where can I stay before the course?

How can I book extra nights in my accomodation on the campus?

Can I arrive at any time between 24 and 29 December? 

No. Designated arrival times between 24 and 29 December will be 5:30 am – 9:30 pm. There will be busses arranged to bring participants to the campus during these hours. The airport is about 30 minutes drive from Kanha Shanti Vanam. More details about this will be available soon.

I don’t want to travel alone to India, what should I do?

We encourage you to try to organize a group from your area or country to travel with. If you do not know anyone, you can reach out to your TM teacher or national office to find others in your area who are also attending the assembly.

How do I get from the hotel or the airport to the course facility?

Air-conditioned buses will be organized from central locations, such as the Hyderabad airport, to take participants to the facility. More information will be provided for participants. You can also hire a car and driver from your hotel or the airport. If you are staying at a hotel, your hotel will be able to arrange a car for you.

If I cannot travel to India, can I attend online via Zoom?

We encourage everyone to attend in person though some events may be live-streamed.

What time is registration on December 29?

Registration will be from 5:30 am – 9:30 pm from December 24 – December 29. 

What time of day does the assembly finish?

There are no planned events for the departure day of the assembly, January 13, and course participants will need to depart the campus that day.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

This is recommended. We highly recomend purchasing a travel/ health insurance policy.  

Are there specific things I should bring with me?

Some personal items that people might find handy include:
– Flashlight
– All personal cleaning and hygiene items
– Slippers (floors can be cold on the feet in this winter month)
– A thermos or flask if you want to keep hot water in your room

For our proposals for your packing list please click here. 

What is the difference between the sponsorship levels? 

Sponsorship levels are a donation above the cost of the course and accommodation fees to support the participation of the Maharishi Vedic Pandits and Indian students who are yogic flyers, to create a group of 10,000 practising yogic flyers together. If you need a scholarship, please do not select a sponsorship level. 

The Patron, Benefactor, and Sponsor levels of sponsorship include course fee, food, and accommodation in VIP rooms, suites or apartments on campus for an individual or couple. These accommodations will be in permanent buildings on the campus. 

The Supporter level of sponsorship includes course fee, food, and accommodation in VIP rooms, suites or apartments on campus for an individual. This accommodation will be in permanent buildings on the campus. 

The Friend level of sponsorship includes course fee, food, and accommodation for an individual in the highest quality of tent, which is larger, has higher quality furnishings, along with air conditioning. 

All participants at the various sponsorship levels will be named in the World Peace Yagys which will be performed by the Maharishi Vedic Pandits during the assembly. The yagyas will last for two weeks and there will be opportunities to listen to the performances. 

Perhaps most importantly, these different levels of sponsorship help support Maharishi Vedic Pandits and Indian students who are yogic flyers attend the assembly, which will make it possible for us to reach our goal of 10,000 practicing yogic flying together.

If I contribute at the Sponsorship level, can I indicate the people I would like to sponsor?

No. These donations are to support the Maharishi Vedic Pandits and the Indian students who will attend the assembly to help the group reach 10,000.

Do Governors have the same course fee?

Yes, but if financial assistance is needed, please apply for the scholarship in your application.

Is there a discounted rate for seniors?

There is no special rate for seniors. If financial assistance is needed, please apply for a scholarship in your application.

How does the financial assistance to attend the assembly work?

Applications are evaluated on the basis of various considerations and the amount of funds available. It is helpful if you indicate what is the maximum amount you can contribute to the course. Currently, scholarships are not being made available for meditators, as we are prioritizing Sidhas and Governors in order to enhance the potential of the wave of coherence desired.

Is there specific financial support for Mother Divine and Purusha to attend the course?

Yes, please contact the respective leaders of Mother Divine or Purusha for more information.

Is the course fee in USD?

Yes

Is it possible to have sponsorship for flights also?

It is unlikely, but please reach out to your national TM office to see the possibilities.

Are the fees all-inclusive? 

Fees include your course fee, accomodation, food, and use of common facilities at Kanha Shanti Vanam. Personal laundry, transportation, medical expenses, etc. will be an additional cost. 

What amount of money is recommended for minor expenses such as transportation to and from the airport, laundry, souvenirs, etc.?        

It will be good to have at least $200. If you have a bank ATM card, there will be cash machines at the airport and on the campus that will dispense Indian rupees.

Is there scholarship for those participating in the TM Sidhi Course?

Financial assistance is also available for those participating in the Flying Block of the TM Sidhi Course during the assembly. Please apply for a scholarship in your application. Questions about financial support for the TM Sidhi Course fee should be directed to your local TM center.

Are there scholarships meditators and those who will learn TM on the Experience the Self course??

No, these participants are expected to pay the full course fee.

Do the Sponsorship Levels include accommodation and the course fee for one or two people?

The Patron, Benefactor, and Sponsor levels of sponsorships include accommodation and course fees for either an individual or a couple.

Is it possible to have a tax-deductible receipt if I am a Canadian tax resident?

Unfortunately, it is not possible for Canadians to have a tax-deductible receipt for their course fee. However, donations to support the Maharishi Vedic Pandits and Indian students participation in the assembly may be tax deductible, as Maharishi International Univeristy is sponsoring that fundraiser. Donations can be made here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/10000-for-world-peace-assembly

Is Supporter Level Sponsorship in a tent or in a permanent building?

Permanent building

Can I sponsor Maharishi Vedic Pandits  or Indian students to attend? 

Yes, you can do so here: https://worldpeace10000.org/donate/

Can I change my accommodation or roommates after I have submitted my application?

Yes. When you receive instructions about completing the payment for the assembly, you will be asked to confirm or adjust your housing preferences. You will be able to adjust your type of accomodation, number of roommates, and names of roommates. 

How much walking will there be? How far are the tents from the flying, dining, and meeting halls? 

The tents will be located about 1km/ .5 miles from the flying, dining, and meeting halls. This is a 10-15 minute walk. There will be some transportation, such as golf carts and bicycle rickshaws, available to help people move about the campus.  There may also be internal buses that can be taken for approximately $0.50 USD.  However, we cannot guarantee that transportation will always be available. 

The dorms are about 300 meters from the common facilties.

Will I have a private bathroom in my choice of accommodation?

This depends on your accommodation and if you will share the accommodation with anyone.

The Donor level accommodations have private bathrooms. Each tent has a private bathroom. The dormitories have shared bathrooms.

What is the electricity voltage in India? Do I need an adaptor? 

The electricity is 220-230v. Please be sure to check if your devices are compatible. Smartphones and laptops are usually universal and compatible with 220-230v. 

Other items, such as electric toothbrushes, razors etc. may not be compatible if they are from a country that has a 110v electric system, like the United States. Please do not bring devices that are only for 110v without a voltage converter as using them will damage (ruin) your device.   Items that generate heat and are a fire hazard are not permitted in the tents, including: hair dryers, curling irons/straighteners, hot plates, irons, heaters, etc. 

For devices that are compatible, you will need a plug adapter. We recommend a universal adaptor so there is no risk of bringing the wrong one. 

Do the tents lock? 

Yes, the tents lock and they have a locker for storage.

Will there be hot water in the tent showers?

Yes, there will be hot water for bathing.  

What is inside the tents?

The tents have a bed(s), bureau, table, locker, and bathroom.

Are double occupancy tents a double bed or two single beds?

There are two single beds unless otherwise indicated.

Do double occupancy tents have two beds?

Yes. All double occupancy tents will have two beds. 

Can I choose who I share a room with?

Yes. On the application form, when asked to give the name of your roommate, be sure to enter the name of the person with whom you would like to share. Your roommate should also complete their own application and put your name when asked for the name of their roommate on the application form.

If you don’t have a roommate, you can still apply for a shared tent, and in this case you will be paired up with someone from the same gender in the same situation, possibly who speaks the same language.

Can 3 or 4 people be in a tent? How do I make arrangements for this?

Tents can accommodate up to 4 people. When you receive your payment link, you will be asked to confirm your accommodation. At this time you can select a single, double, triple, or quadruple occupancy tent, even if you selected a different accommodation on your original application. You will be able to add the names of your roommate(s) later. Your roommates should also include you as their roommate. The updated options and pricing can be found here: https://worldpeace10000.org/accommodation/

Is it possible to share a room with someone, even if I do not know someone to share it with?

Yes. Please select double, triple, or quadruple  occupancy and we will match you with others of the same gender in the same situation.

Is there heating in the tents? Will there be extra blankets? 

There is no heating in the tents, but there is a blanket on the bed. If you get cold easily, we recommend that you bring a sweater and meditation shawl/ blanket that can be used at night, as well as during the morning program. Extra blankets will be available, though it is not yet clear if they will only be  for purchase. 

Please do not order, bring, or use space heaters in the tents as they are a fire hazard. 

Can I share accommodation with my partner/ spouse or someone of a different gender? 

Yes, this is fine. Just be sure to put their name as your roommate, and they put yours. 

Is it possible to stay in a hotel in Hyderabad during the course?

No. The city of Hyderabad is located 50 minutes away from the location of the course and it will not be restful or practical to travel back and forth.

I am taking the Flying Block during the assembly. Are there separate accommodations?

No, there are not separate accommodations, though Flying block participants may be grouped together. 

Is there wifi in the campus? 

Yes. There is wifi throughout the campus. 

Are there laundry services available during the course?

Yes, for an extra reasonable charge per item.  We recommend however that you do not use the laundry service for items that require special care.

Is there somewhere I can store my valuables?

While the tents do have a lockbox, it is not recommended to bring valuables such as jewelry or large amounts of cash.

Is there purified drinking water available on-site?

Yes, there are multiple drinking water stations throughout the campus. Both filtered and bottled water will be available. Do not drink the tap water or use tap water for brushing teeth.

Will there be breakfast? 

Yes, there will be 3 meals served per day.

What kinds of food will be available? 

There will be 3 meals served per day.

Essentially, there will be 3 menus:

Continental/ European style (not spicy), North Indian (little spicy), and South Indian (spicy).

As the course is on an ashram, all menus and dishes will be vegetarian. The meals will also be prepared without onions and garlic to promote deeper experiences in meditation. The South Indian cuisine will likely be prepared with chilies, as there will be many participants on the course from India who enjoy spicy food.  We are consulting the kitchen at Kanha Shanti Vanam about the kinds of oils used to ensure the higest purity possible. 

We are doing our best to make sure that there are many choices and that there is something for everyone. Please be sure to indicate any dietary restriction in your application.

Please note absolutley no food should be stored in the accommodations, especially tents, as it will attract animals. Kanha Shanti Vanam has asked that we do not bring any outside food to the campus. As their guests, we should respect this request.

Can I keep snacks in my accomodation? 

Absolutley no food should be stored in the accommodations, especially tents, as it will attract unwanted animals. Additionally, Kanha Shanti Vanam has asked that we do not bring outside food to the campus. As their guests, we should respect this request.

How to dress around the campus, including for meetings, during the course?

Comfortable, modest attire from your country is acceptable. To respect the local customs, the following items should not be worn: ripped clothing, sleeveless tops, tank tops, leggings, shorts, and short dresses/ skirts. Many international visitors may find Indian-style clothing to be  comfortable, such as saris and punjabis or a kurta. Please also have loose and comfortable program clothes, preferably of natural fibers. 

You might also like to pack a more formal outfit for the celebration at the end of the assembly. 

There will be comfortable Indian style clothing available for purchase but is not required.

The temperature on the campus ranges from 28 degrees Celsius (82F) and 15 degrees Celsius (59 F) at night, so we recommend bringing clothes that can be layered and a meditation shawl or blanket. We also recommend a belt bag (fanny pack) or other type of small bag to carry your cell phone and other small important items with you during the day.

How will the flying halls be set up? Will there be backrests, chairs, and foam stacks available? 

We are organizing the flying halls to support many different needs to make everyone as comfortable as possible. There will be backrests, chairs, and foam stacks available.

If you need a pillow and blanket during program, you will need to bring one, either from your accommodation or from home. We recommend everyone pack a meditation blanket or shawl as the morning air is quite cool.  

In the flying halls, will there be a track or an area for active flying? 

Yes, there will be an area in each hall for active flying.

Will there be chairs in the meeting and dining halls? 

Yes. 

Am I able to do yogic flying if I am pregnant?

No, however you are still able to do the rest of your program with the group.

Will there be vendors? Will I need to pay for things with cash?

There will be some opportunities for shopping. Most small items will have to be paid in cash (Rupees). It is recommended to have minimum of $200 for low-cost items such as laundry, transport from the airport, along with more expensive items from the gift shop, ayurvedic herbs, souvenirs etc. There will be an ATM at the airport and on the campus where you can get Rupees. 

Can I attend for just one week or can I miss a few days in the middle of the assembly?

It is not possible to attend the course for less than the full period. For the validity of the scientific research, it is necessary that the amount of people practicing each day remains consistent throughout the assembly. Few exceptions can be considered. 

Can I do panchakarma during the assembly? 

Panchakarma services will not be available during the assembly. If you are interested in doing Panchakarma before or after the assembly, we cannot recomend a specific clinic. You are welcome to organize Pancha Karma at a clinic before or after the asesmbly, but choosing the clinic is one’s own decision.

Kanha Shanti Vanam does have a Ayurveda Wellness Centre offering various ayurvedic treatments such as Panchakarma. Course participants are free to go to this wellness centre before or after the 10,000 for World Peace Assembly, but during the assembly the facility has been fully booked and treatments will not be available.

During the Assembly there will be an Ayurveda consultation service available, where participants can have a consultation with a Vaidya to have their pulse diagnosed and to receive guidance for prevention or treatment with Maharishi Ayurveda medicines.

What is  the daily schedule?

The daily program will be given during registration.

Is there free time to spend in the gym or take a walk?

Yes, however free time is limited and the schedule should be followed in order to have a better experience.

Am I allowed to bring my phone and computer?

It is good to have your phone with you to receive course-related messages and updates. It is recommended to leave your computer at home.

For calling using mobile phones, please check with your home provider if their system will work in India. You may be able to purchase an Indian SIM card when you arrive in India – we’re looking into how to make this possible for participants. More information will be avalable as sson as we have it.  

Will I be able to attend if I have not learned the TM Sidhis but I have learned Transcendental Meditation?

Yes. On your application indicate that you are a TM Meditator. You will participate in the Experience the Self course. You can also complete this application form: https://worldpeace10000.org/experience-the-self/

Can I learn Transcendental Meditation at the 10,000 for World Peace Assembly? 

Yes, you can learn Transcendental Meditation at the assembly. Please fill out the application for the Experience the Self course here: https://worldpeace10000.org/experience-the-self/

If you have questions about the Experience the Self course please write to: info@experiencetheself.org

Can I attend if I do not practice Transcendental Meditation, but practice a different type of meditation?

For the purpose of the scientific research on the Maharishi Effect that a team of researchers is working to recreate, it is necessary that all participants practice Transcendental Meditation.

If you have not learned Transcendental Meditation but would like to attend, please get in touch with your local Transcendental Meditation teachers – https://www.tm.org/choose-your-country.

If there is not a teacher near you, it will be possible to learn Transcendental Meditation at the assembly. Please complete the following application form: https://worldpeace10000.org/experience-the-self/

Can I learn an Advanced Technique at the assembly? 

If you have been practising your latest technique for a minimum of two months, there will be an opportunity to learn an advanced technique. There will be an additional fee for advanced technique instruction.

Will there be filming on the course?

Yes, there will be filming taking place during the Assembly. There will be signs up in all languages to indicate that filming is taking place. The plan is to have seating areas for those that don’t wish to be filmed.