Ananda Marga in the New York Sector holds four RDS programs each year at different locations. Traditionally, the December RDS was always held in New York City, but last year the venue was shifted to Ananda Vrati Master Unit in Pennsylvania. This year, the Sector continued that new tradition and again gathered at Ananda Vrati, combining the RDS with a Whole-timer Sádhaná Shivir beforehand.
The Sádhaná Shivir took place from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30, followed by the RDS meetings from December 1–3. The Shivir featured a full daily schedule of Akhanda Kiirtana, intensive meditation, Katha Kiirtana, and outdoor walks, allowing the Dadas and Didis to spend unhurried time together and go deeper into their spiritual practices before the administrative meetings began.
During the program, snowfall gently covered the grounds of Ananda Vrati, bringing an added sense of joy and novelty. Since much of the New York Sector rarely experiences snow—aside from Canada and Denver—many of the Dadas and Didis delighted in playing outdoors and enjoying the winter atmosphere, adding a light and memorable touch to an otherwise deeply focused spiritual gathering.
