# Dhamma Dhaja: Silence and Self-Observation in Hoshiarpur’s Shivalik Foothills

- Link: https://hoshiarpurtoday.com/dhamma-dhaja-silence-and-self-observation-in-hoshiarpurs-shivalik-foothills/
- Published: 2026-10-28T13:55:29+05:30
- Author: RAMAN KUMAR SAHDEV

**A place for silence and self-observation in Punjab’s Shivalik foothills.**

In Anandgarh village, approximately 12 kilometres from Hoshiarpur, Dhamma Dhaja 
offers a setting dedicated to learning and practising Vipassana meditation. Its 
name means “Flag of Dhamma.” The centre follows the teaching of S.N. Goenka in the
tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin.

## Learning through observation

Vipassana means seeing things as they really are. In this tradition, students begin
by paying attention to natural breathing, then learn to observe bodily sensations
and develop equanimity—a balanced response to pleasant and unpleasant experiences.

The introductory ten-day residential course teaches the method step by step. Personal
effort and sustained practice are central to the approach, with an emphasis on carrying
what is learned into everyday life.

## Life during a course

The daily routine begins with a 4 a.m. wake-up bell. Meditation sessions alternate
with meals, rest periods and an evening discourse.

Participants observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning
of the last full day. They refrain from communicating with fellow students but may
speak with teachers and management when necessary. Phones and other electronic devices
are deposited with management; reading, writing and photography are not permitted
during the course.

Students commit to the full residential period: arrival and registration, ten full
days of meditation, and departure the following morning. Read the official discipline
and timetable before applying.

## Supported by generosity

There are no charges for instruction, food or accommodation. Courses are funded 
through voluntary donations from people who have completed a ten-day course in this
tradition. First-time students may donate after completing their course. Teachers
and course organisers receive no payment for their service.

## Planning to attend

Applications must be made online. Choose a suitable course from the official schedule,
read the requirements and wait for acceptance before making travel arrangements.
Availability changes as applications are received.

**Address:** Dhamma Dhaja, Punjab Vipassana Trust, Village Anandgarh, P.O. Mehlanwali,
District Hoshiarpur, Punjab 146110, India.

[View the official course schedule and apply](https://schedule.vridhamma.org/courses/dhaja)

## See the centre

[Explore photographs in Dhamma Dhaja’s official gallery](https://dhaja.dhamma.org/en/photo-gallery/).
This link opens the centre’s own collection of photographs.

For those prepared to devote time to disciplined meditation, Dhamma Dhaja offers
an opportunity to explore awareness, patience and a more balanced response to everyday
experience.

## Sources and useful links

 * [Dhamma Dhaja: about the centre](https://dhaja.dhamma.org/en/the-centre/)
 * [About Vipassana and the teaching tradition](https://dhaja.dhamma.org/en/about/)
 * [Official course discipline and timetable](https://www.dhamma.org/en/about/code)
 * [Official address, applications and course schedule](https://schedule.vridhamma.org/courses/dhaja)