What should I pack for my first ashram stay?

A practical list that works for most Indian ashrams:

Clothes

• Loose cotton clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Several ashrams expect this, and some prefer white for classes and ceremonies (Parmarth Niketan and Phool Chatti both mention it).
• A shawl or light layer for early-morning meditation halls; Himalayan mornings are cold most of the year.
• Slip-on sandals: you'll take your shoes off many times a day.

Useful extras

• Earplugs and an eye mask (ashrams wake early and can be noisy).
• A torch, a refillable water bottle and a small padlock.