A Retreat Home Designed For Artists At The Foothills Of Uttarakhand

For those who crave to break free from the shackles, the deadlines and the city lights – to escape from the pressures, the morbid monotony and the pressures of city life – those who seek relief in the soft cooing of the wind, the chirrups of the birds, explore the hidden trails of the forest, experience Roohaniyat. What was initially a family vacation home, is now transformed into an artist residency cradled in the foothills of Uttarakhand, in the quaint village of Sirori. We owe it to singer-songwriter, Angad Katari and an event curator, Aarzoo Choudhary for creating Roohaniyat. Located fifteen kilometres before Nainital, this cottage boasts of a century long presence that has been aesthetically redesigned to cater to the likes of all kinds of artistry. It’s sole purpose is to capture the quintessence of the term ‘escape’. It calls upon all the artists to seek shelter amongst their artistic endeavours, segmented into different genres for artists to be completely immersed in.

This cozy cottage is accompanied with a fully equipped jam room for artists to channel and indulge in their creativity. Lose yourself to the soft strumming and the echoes of chords in a tiny yet oh, so cozy listening room. This room bears a vintage vinyl player that used to be treasured by Angad’s late grandfather, and for those who don’t favour the occasional scratch of the vintage player are free to bring their own vinyls. Rendering this room to be an ultimate escape for those who yearn to flee from the melancholy inflicted by city life and it’s sombre aura.

The reading room becks for those avid and voracious readers who tend to dissipate whilst reading. It also calls for writers to spill their passion on that piece of parchment and leave their indelible mark upon it, for their creation to spur within this room. Located within the hilly areas, the cottage is a hotspot and a home for bird watchers. So sit back and relax, but keep your eyes peeled and your cuppa tea brewing, ‘cause baby it’s cold outside. This place implores to be the creation hub for all kinds of artists – writers, storytellers, painters, photographers, musicians. Its doors remain open for those who look forward to conducting workshops and other events as well.

The walls of this cottage stand staunchly for those looking forward to recreate, to delve and plunge deep within their passions. Savour the marvellous glow of peachy sunsets surrounded by the wonder of fauna and fauna. Give nature a chance to be your therapist and your soul guide to unwind, de-stress and loosen up. Or simply just luxuriate yourself with self care and take this as your time off and engage in artistic endeavours. Whether it’s spilling your feelings on parchment, or confiding in yourself through any form of artistic expression. So if you’re thinking of a creative getaway to soothe or express yourself, think Roohaniyat.

Easy Wanderlings (an independent Indian soul pop-band based in Pune), The Aahvaan Project (a collaborative folk music and storytelling project), Bowls (Bowls is Dhruv Bhola’s solo project, under which he writes, records, produces and performs his own music. Dhruv Bhola is currently the bassist for Peter Cat Recording Co, and the guitarist for Prateek Kuhad), Karan Singh (Drummer - Peter Cat Recording) are a few of the artists who’ve previously boarded at this getaway, be part of nature and come and explore your talent within this residency.

Click here to book/reserve the residency.

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