Bengaluru company offers 'forest bathing' experience for Rs 1,500 - at Cubbon Park. Viral post

A Bengaluru-based company's decision to monetise a centuries-old Japanese practice has sparked widespread outcry and ridicule. Trove Experiences' offering of guided forest bathing experiences for a fee of Rs 1,500 has ignited a fierce debate over the commercialization of Shinrin Yoku, drawing sharp criticism from those who decry the commodification of a sacred ritual.

Research extols the virtues of communing with nature, citing its ability to assuage anxiety, alleviate depression, and elevate mood and self-esteem. In this quest for tranquility, the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, has long remained a way to escape the bustle of the city life. A slow, deliberate stroll through wooded enclaves, immersed in sensory experiences, is heralded as a panacea for modern malaise, promising to dissipate stress and restore well-being.

However, the practice has come under scrutiny with the emergence of guided forest bathing experiences offered for a fee – probably the first in Bengaluru. Trove Experiences, a company capitalising on the trend, has ignited a firestorm of debate with its Rs 1,500 forest bathing excursions – but there is a catch. It will happen at Cubbon Park – not a forest – and where taking a stroll in the park has always been free.

On the website of Trove Experiences, they describe their unique offering. “Our day-to-day lives in the city can get pretty stressful, and finding a dedicated time and place to reconnect with nature, free from all the noise to hear your own voice can be quite a challenge,"

"Shinrin Yoku, or the Japanese art of Forest Bathing is an immersive, silent and soulful walk into the forest from where you emerge feeling more centred. This experience will involve a guided forest walk infused with wholesome nature-related activities,” the description reads.

And for Rs 1,500, what the company offers is nothing extraordinary.

“A guided forest bathing walk inside the beautiful Cubbon Park in Bangalore. Soulful activities that engage your senses to help you destress. Open rounds of sharing and listening to help attain different perspectives. A more centred, purposeful and content version of you,” these four offerings are included in the Rs 1500 package – no food, drinks or any extra benefits. The experience will last for 2.5 hours.

Babe, wake up! There's a new scam in the market. pic.twitter.com/UO4zrJgiUa

— jolad rotti (@AJayAWhy) April 16, 2024

An outcry - and a barrage of jokes - followed immediately.

“Touching grass at Cubbon park is still FREE. Just saying,” one user asserted.

“Look, guys! I have nothing against the idea of forest bathing. I am sure it is beneficial in many ways, but the location and the charge? Cubbon park is definitely among the best parks we have, but is it NOT a forest. Act normal for once,” the original poster of the tweet reiterated.

Another user joked: “Got to support rich people getting scammed.”

A third sarcastically wrote: “Bruh tell me wtf is this forest bathing thing? I'mma start this scam, I mean business in Lucknow Uttar Pradesh with 18% GST.”

The X user’s post is viral with nearly 2 lakh views and over 4,000 likes and numerous comments.