VANAPRASTHA
Wilderness Rites of Passage in India
Ceremonies of wilderness, thresholds, and belonging.
Ceremonial Offerings
The word “Vanaprastha” comes from an ancient Indian life stage of retreating to the forest. Today we renew this path, opening it to people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. We return to this ancient practice to connect more deeply with ourselves, and to remember our purpose in this moment of individual and collective evolution.
From single-day walks to community councils and vision fasts, we weave lineage, land awareness, and cross-cultural wisdom into each ceremony. These thresholds invite deep listening, remembering ourselves as community, and stepping into relationship with the more-than-human world.
Vanaprastha and the founder
Vanaprastha is the first wilderness rites of passage initiative of its kind in India, founded by guide and ceremonialist Vandana Bhalla. We are committed to creating safe spaces for people of all ages, cultures, and identities, especially women, children and queer communities.
What is
this work?
We guide participants through wilderness rites of passage, where nature becomes both teacher and mirror. Within the held container of ceremony, we are invited to mark life’s cycles — to meet endings, walk the in-between, and welcome new beginnings with presence and intention.
