Devi, who heads up the Braj Gopika Seva Mission, is behind a national effort to make yoga, meditation and a value-driven life something you can actually do on a day-to-day basis. To that end, she has revealed two sizeable projects: a week-long camp in Haridwar (11-17 June) and a purpose-built hub near Tangi in Odisha with room for over 1,500.
For quick clarity, here are the essentials at a glance:
– Haridwar camp dates: 11 June to 17 June 2026
– Expected attendance: nearly 2,500 participants
– Odisha centre capacity: more than 1,500 seats
– Location: near Tangi, Khurda, close to Bhubaneswar
– Led by: Braj Gopika Seva Mission
Inside the Haridwar mega camp
The Haridwar camp will be an open house for everyone from the curious to the seasoned. You’ll find health enthusiasts and novices alike in the same room for some guided work and talks on how to make what you’ve learned part of your routine.
A 1,500-seat wellness anchor for Odisha
Then there is the new centre in the Khurda district, not far from Bhubaneswar. It’s more than just a place to sit; with its 1,500-plus capacity, it will be home to everything from yogic education and retreats to programmes for young people.
Why this matters now
There is a need for this kind of thing, the organisers will tell you. In a world full of stress and anxiety, they want to offer a way out through simple, no-nonsense practices. The seven-day event in Haridwar is meant to be a reset. We’re talking immersive sessions, workshops, and some good conversation on how to apply yogic philosophy at home or in the office. They are even expecting some from overseas, which says something about the pull of India’s approach to wellbeing these days.
Dates, scale and experience
By the time the 17 of June rolls around, the mission figures to have hosted close to 2,500 in Haridwar. The idea is to get people into the habit so they can keep it up on their own once they leave.
The facility in Odisha is being planned with the same intent. A large hall for Yoga and Meditation is in the works, as well as spaces for training and community get-togethers. The organisation wants to make sure it is a spot where you can come for a bit of cultural and youth development, whether you are a first-timer or you’ve been at it for years.
Who is Raseshwari Devi?
For those who don’t know her, Raseshwari Devi is an Indian teacher and the founder-president of the Braj Gopika Seva Mission, which she set up in 1998. A Bhilai native with a background in Math and English, she gave up the world in 1988 under the tutelage of Jagadguru Swami Shri Kripalu Maharaj.
Her style is to take the heavy stuff – Upanishadic wisdom, Krishna devotion – and make it applicable to your life. It’s about emotional balance and knowing yourself. She has been doing this for 30 years now, from social welfare to running camps like the Bal Sanskar Shivir, and has been recognised for it.
World Meditation Day and what comes next
World Meditation Day, 21 December, is the occasion for all this. The UN made it official in 2024 and India has been on board, so you see a lot of public events on the day. But with nearly 2,500 coming to Haridwar and a 1,500-seat centre in the offing in Odisha, Devi is adding some heft to the occasion.
As the Braj Gopika Seva Mission puts the finishing touches on things, the message is plain: start with a little guidance, let the community back you up, and have a place to go when you want to focus on your long-term health.
