‘Wellness parties bring the focus on holistic well-being’

Recently, pilates expert Kitty Kalra organised a wellness party for her friends to begin the New Year on a right note. On a weekend, a group of women came together with the intention of moving their body and learning the basics of pilates through the workshop. The workshop, which involved a lot of movement, and discussion around the benefits of pilates, concluded with a healthy lunch. Like this specific group of women, there are many who are ditching the usual clubbing or party scene to nourish their body, mind and soul with wellness parties. Families, friends and companies, are now focussing on holistic health by organising events and parties that focus on the overall health of an individual. Be it a yoga session followed by nutritious lunch or sound bath workshop and wellness retreats, wellness parties with the approach of holistic health are now gaining popularity.

‘Without a mindful approach, the true purpose can be lost’Relationship therapist Kasturi Mahanta, who conducted her session on mental health wellbeing & relationships, at a wellness retreat, shares, “When the goal or focus of the event is holistic well-being, these sessions need to be approached with intention. Without a mindful approach, their true purpose can be lost.” She explains her sessions focus on creating a safe space, education about relationships, sharing anecdotes, answering questions, tackling myths or unrealistic concepts and giving out practical tips to implement in life whether it is theory and concepts that help or exercises to control reactions or regulate emotions. “Holistic health is gaining widespread recognition, with more people understanding the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As a result, this concept is now being embraced more openly than ever before, unlike in the past,” she adds.

‘Friends and family are gifting experiences to each other’These sessions can also be an experiential gift to your loved ones. “People are booking studios for a yoga or sound bath workshop as something that they want to do on their birthdays or anniversaries. The idea is to look for something relaxing and doing something unique on their special day. It is not a typical yoga class when they book an activity like this. We incorporate mindful techniques so that it becomes an experience for them,” shares yoga expert Rati S Tehri. “Events like these also help those who are not regular with any sort of exercise and can inspire them to take up something new,” adds Yoga instructor Sonika Uppal.

What are wellness parties?“Wellness parties focus on your mind, body and soul. These are about nourishing your overall well-being,” shares Kitty Kalra. She adds that you celebrate yourself at such parties as you come with a common goal – to give back to yourself, to do something meaningful. “When you come for an event like that then you are coming with the mindset that you are going to do something for yourself. You learn the basics of an activity and take the experience back,” she explains.

‘Sound baths enhance social connections by creating a shared meditative experience’Events like these are redefining our notion of a celebration, mentions Vikaas Gutgutia, Founder and MD of a luxury wellness sanctuary. Along with yoga, meditation, mental health, well-being and relationships workshop, sound baths are also becoming increasingly popular at such gatherings. “Bridesmaids, mothers’ clubs, and entrepreneurs are opting for these sensory experiences over conventional gatherings. Sound baths enhance social connections by creating a shared meditative experience that fosters unity. Often paired with wellness discussions or holistic workshops, these gatherings encourage open communication and a greater sense of togetherness,” Vikaas tells us.

‘Tech companies, law firms are increasingly incorporating sound healing and chair yoga’Companies are also organising sound bath workshops for their employees as part of their team-building retreat. “Tech companies, law firms, and creative enterprises are increasingly incorporating sound healing into their wellness strategies. By offering a blend of relaxation, connection, and novelty, sound baths are seen as a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving focus, and fostering team camaraderie,” shares Vikaas Gutgutia. Sonika Uppal tells us that corporate companies usually request for chair yogas for their employees. She says, “Companies expect us to share chair yoga techniques with their employees so they could stretch after long hours of work.”