OVA Gathering
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
OVA Gathering is a 10-day experiential space curated for women to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and each other. Rooted in self-inquiry, embodiment, presence, and community, it invites participants into a process of gentle transformation through rest, reflection, and shared nourishment.
None of the above. OVA Gathering is a space—not a program. There is no agenda to fix, teach, or train. It is not about productivity or performance. It is a gathering of women coming together to listen deeply to themselves and each other. The experience is co-held through presence, practice, and participation.
Women aged 18 and above from all walks of life. Whether you are a seeker, a mother, an artist, a teacher, a survivor, a leader, or simply a woman navigating her own path—if you feel called, you are welcome. No prior experience in meditation, movement, or spiritual work is required.
The gathering is envisioned and held by Afrah Futun, founder of OVA, along with a small team of trusted facilitators. Afrah curates the journey from personal experience—blending deep inner work, cultural wisdom, Zen-based practices, and feminine inquiry. The team may include facilitators of any gender, as long as they hold space with rooted presence and integrity.
The gathering takes place in Kasar Devi, Uttarakhand, India—a quiet Himalayan village known for its sacred geography and magnetic stillness. The exact venue details will be shared with confirmed participants.
No. Each OVA Gathering is unique in its flow and rhythm. There is no fixed daily schedule. Sessions are curated intuitively with the group’s energy in mind. Some days may be spacious and slow, while others might be immersive or interactive. Participants are encouraged to remain open and present to the process as it unfolds.
Each gathering includes a unique curation of workshops and sessions, drawing from various disciplines to support the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual bodies. These may include movement, meditation, writing, nature immersions, rituals, dialogue circles, art practices, and more—facilitated by invited guides, teachers, and artists. No two gatherings are the same.
The gathering will be held in English and Hindi, depending on the needs of the group. You don’t need to be fluent in either—openness and presence matter more than perfect language.
We intend to keep the gathering intimate, allowing for trust, depth, and meaningful connection. Spaces are limited.
Yes, the participants are all women. Facilitators and contributors may be of any gender, but the space itself is curated exclusively for women to come into themselves with safety and trust.
There are two participation formats:
Resident: You stay at the official venue, share accommodations with fellow participants, and are immersed fully in the gathering environment.
Non-Resident: You arrange your own accommodation nearby and join the daily sessions. We will share a list of suggested guesthouses once your registration is confirmed. Local transport to/from the venue is your responsibility.
Yes, for resident participants, simple vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided. Meals are designed to be sattvic, nourishing, and light. Non-resident participants may either arrange meals independently or opt for a meal plan if available.
A detailed packing list will be shared after confirmation. Generally, bring:
Comfortable clothes for movement and the mountain weather
A shawl or light blanket
A journal and pen
Water bottle, torch, any essential medicines
An open heart and willingness to show up Note: Please avoid heavy perfumes, flashy clothing, and anything that distracts from simplicity.
You may choose to attend either the full 10-day journey or specific modules, depending on the sessions and facilitators that resonate with you. However, once a module or session begins, you must commit to the entire module.
Joining midway or walking in/out during a session is not allowed. This is to maintain the sanctity and flow of the space for all.
No. OVA Gathering is an in-person experience. The depth of presence, community, and landscape cannot be translated into a virtual format.
No. This is a solo inward journey. You are asked to come alone and give yourself the space you deserve. The environment is not suitable for children, family, or pets.
The contribution depends on your format (resident or non-resident), the modules you wish to attend, and the facilitators involved. Full pricing details will be shared on the registration form or announcement poster. Payment plans are not available unless otherwise stated.
Cancellations are allowed up to X days before the gathering with a X% cancellation fee.
No refunds for cancellations made after that.
If you can’t attend, you may transfer your spot to another woman (subject to approval and a small admin fee).
Transferring to a future gathering is not allowed. Each gathering is unique and may vary in cost and format.
Be fully present and arrive on time for the sessions you are attending.
Respect the integrity of each module by staying through it in its entirety.
Maintain confidentiality and hold space with empathy and respect.
Phones must be switched off during all sessions.
Avoid using the gathering space for self-promotion, marketing, or networking.
No, personal photography or filming is not permitted during sessions. Phones are to be switched off throughout all sessions.
An official photographer (appointed by the team) may take photographs or video clips to archive the gathering. Consent will be explicitly sought from each participant beforehand.
If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed, please inform us at the start—we will communicate this to the entire crew, and it will be respected without question. Documentation will only be shared after the gathering and only with participants.
Please fill the Expression of Interest / Registration Form available on our website or via the announcement. Once reviewed, we will get in touch to confirm your participation or provide next steps.
This FAQ has been created to answer all commonly asked questions. We encourage you to read it fully before reaching out. If your question still isn’t answered, feel free to write to us.