A Journey of Faith and Leisure: The Transformative Dambadiwa Pilgrimage to India at Hotel Achedia in Varanasi

For many Sri Lankan #Buddhists, a pilgrimage to #Dambadiwa—the sacred land where the Lord #Buddha lived and preached—is a profound spiritual journey. However, for persons with #disabilities, such a journey can be both a challenge and an opportunity for #empowerment. #Manique Gunaratne together with The #Damrivi Foundation took a remarkable initiative to make this dream a reality, organizing an inclusive pilgrimage from Sri Lanka to India, ensuring accessibility and comfort for all travelers.

This unique experience offers more than just a spiritual connection. After visiting sacred sites pilgrims can unwind at Hotel #Achedia in #Varanasi, a serene retreat designed to offer relaxation and rejuvenation. This blend of pilgrimage and leisure not only enriches the soul but also highlights the importance of inclusive travel, proving that disability should never be a barrier to exploring the world.

Join us as we explore how this transformative journey fosters faith, independence, and unforgettable memories for all travelers!

Manique with a yellow flower garland eats Indian food at a restaurant. She's wearing a patterned blouse. Other diners are in the background, creating a casual dining atmosphere.A group of people dining in a cozy restaurant, with Manique and Other woman in the foreground eating. The table has plates, glasses, a water bottle, and a vase with a red rose.

Manique and other woman in white sit at a restaurant table with drinks, a rose, and a smartphone. They are smiling and chatting. Two more people are visible in the background.The image shows Manique in front, smiling, with her hair pulled back, wearing a white embroidered shirt. Another woman stands beside her, both in a well-lit indoor setting.

The image shows a young girl named Manique. She has long, dark hair and is smiling. She is wearing a colorful dress and standing outdoors with greenery in the background, looking cheerful.Manique is standing indoors, smiling in a white blouse and skirt. Behind her is a vibrant abstract painting. Nearby, there's a patterned chair with a backpack and a small plant.

The image shows two women at the top of stone steps, surrounded by potted plants. Manique, on the right, wears a light outfit with a patterned jacket, smiling.The image shows Manique on the left, smiling in a white embroidered dress with a black shoulder bag. Beside her is another woman in white, both indoors, looking cheerful.

Manique, wearing a white outfit, smiles while holding rose petals. She's beside a brass bowl filled with petals, set against a wooden panel and marble floor indoors.


#Manique Gunaratne

Vice Chair Person – #South #Asian #Disability Forum (#SADF)

Comments

  1. Dear Manique,

    Your article was well-written and informative. The images were also well described, making it very helpful for a VI reader. Wishing you all the best

    ReplyDelete

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