Experience the transformative power of art, wisdom & culture.
We offer daily workshops, covering a range of spiritual and artistic practices, to enrich your experience with us. With something for everyone, these workshops are the perfect way to explore, learn, and connect. Take a look at our offerings.
Schedule
February 13 Friday 11:30
Painting your path to Self Discovery
with Syama Darshani
February 14 Saturday 11:30
The Secrets of Absorbed Kirtan part 1
with Sacinandana Swami
February 15 Sunday 11:30
The Secrets of Absorbed Kirtan part 2
with Sacinandana Swami
February 17 Tuesday 11:30
Dance in Devotion
with Syamesvari
February 18 Wednesday 11:30
Feel the rhythm
with Madhava
February 19 Thursday 11:30
Yoga Psychology: Understanding the mind and beyond
with Tarana Caitanya
February 20 Friday 11:30
Mental Hygiene — Five Senses and the Mind
with Yogi Charu
February 21 Saturday 11:30
Havan – Fire Ceremony
February 22 Sunday 11:30
Stories from the Vedas — A Journey Through Ancient Heroes
with Gauravani
February 24 Tuesday 11:30
Introduction to Vedic Astrology
with Kavi Karnapura
February 25 Wednesday 11:30
Feel the rhythm
with Madhava
February 26 Thursday 11:30
Voice of Devotion
with Premanjali
February 27 Friday 11:30
Mental Hygiene — Three Modes of Nature and the Mind
with Yogi Charu
February 28 Saturday 11:30
Havan – Fire Ceremony
March 1 Sunday 11:30
Stories from the Vedas — A Journey Through Ancient Heroes
with Gauravani
March 3 Tuesday 11:30
to be confirmed
March 4 Wednesday 11:30
to be confirmed
March 5 Thursday 11:30
Yoga of Relationship
with Tarana Caitanya
March 6 Friday 11:30
Mental Hygiene — Time and the Mind
with Yogi Charu
March 7 Saturday 11:30
Havan – Fire Ceremony
March 8 Sunday 11:30
No morning session – we open at 16:30
Holi Festival
March 10 Tuesday 11:30
Painting your path to Self Discovery
with Syama Darshani
March 11 Wednesday 11:30
Feel the rhythm
with Madhava
March 12 Thursday 11:30
to be confirmed
March 13 Friday 11:30
Mental Hygiene — Sacred Sound and the Mind
with Yogi Charu
March 14 Saturday 11:30
Havan – Fire Ceremony
March 15 Sunday 11:30
to be confirmed
March 17 Tuesday 11:30
to be confirmed
March 18 Wednesday 11:30
Feel the rhythm
with Madhava
March 19 Thursday 11:30
to be confirmed
March 20 Friday 11:30
Mental Hygiene — Breath, Heartbeat and the Mind
with Yogi Charu
March 21 Saturday 11:30
Havan – Fire Ceremony
March 22 Sunday 11:30
to be confirmed
Workshops Topics
The Science of Light: An Introduction to Vedic Astrology
In this two-part introduction to Vedic astrology offers a deep dive into Jyotiṣa, the sacred science of light. Participants will explore how time, karma, and awareness influence our lives, learning to view astrology not as superstition but as a contemplative tool for self-inquiry and conscious participation in one’s dharma. The workshop introduces the zodiac as Kāla Puruṣa — the divine body of Time, offering an intuitive gateway into understanding life patterns and personal growth.
Day One — Understanding the Zodiac and Fundamental Signs
The first session places Vedic astrology in its historical and philosophical context, exploring the zodiac through the lens of Kāla Puruṣa. Participants are introduced to the foundational triad of the Ascendant, Moon sign, and Sun sign, providing a framework for understanding embodiment, mind, and life direction.
Day Two — Exploring Planets and Houses
The second session delves into the nine planetary archetypes, their symbolism, and the houses as arenas where Kāla Puruṣa expresses itself through individual life experience. Drawing on classical sources and the devotional vision of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, the planets are presented as living archetypes, helping participants recognize karmic patterns, mental tendencies, and the deeper intelligence guiding their lives.
About the Presenter:
The workshop is led by Kavi-karṇapūra Dāsa, a dedicated student of Vedic astrology since 2002. Originally from South Africa, he blends traditional Vedic knowledge with a counseling perspective, helping participants explore their life path, inner nature, and spiritual potential. Currently based in Japan, Kavi continues his studies in Indology while sharing the timeless wisdom of the astral sciences.
Dance in Devotion — A Devotional Movement Workshop
This workshop is a guided meditation through the medium of dance — the natural expression of the soul. Dance is a beautiful way to express ourselves; it’s not only to be admired, but also a joyful way to connect mind, body, and spirit. In this workshop, dance becomes a living story: participants start learning the language of movement, discovering how each gesture and step conveys deeper meaning. No previous experience is needed — everyone is invited to move, explore, and play with traditional Kirtan steps and patterns, creating an interactive, and immersive Kirtan meditation experience that’s both fun and transformative.
About the Presenter:
The workshop is led by Syamesvari-Prema, a lifelong student of bhakti-yoga and dance. With decades of experience in nearly 30 dance forms, she blends artistry, devotion, and storytelling to make sacred movement accessible, playful, and deeply engaging for everyone.
The Secrets of Absorbed Kirtan
In this workshop, we will explore the subtle art of Kirtan — how to move from singing to meditating, from sound to presence, and into a higher connection. When the heart and mind become fully absorbed and present, the sacred mantras begin to reveal their deeper nature and elevate our consciousness to ever-deeper levels of experiencing the loving relationship with the Divine.
The workshop unfolds over two days: Day One focuses on absorbing the body and mind in transcendental sound, while Day Two guides participants into the sacred space within the heart through Divine sound.
About the Presenter:
The workshop is led by Sacinandana Swami, originally from Germany, a Kirtan leader, spiritual teacher, and author. He is traveling extensively, sharing the joy of devotional chanting, and also taking time to visit holy places and meditate there, gaining treasured realizations that he lovingly shares with participants. Known for his gentle and warm personality, he creates an immersive and inspiring experience that helps people connect deeply with sacred sound.
Painting Your Path to Self Discovery
Explore your creativity and inner world through art in this unique workshop inspired by the Bhagavad Gita. Using watercolor painting and meditative live music, participants will discover how artistic expression can guide self-reflection, release emotions, and bring new perspectives. Through painting, you’ll connect with timeless wisdom while creating beauty — both on canvas and within yourself.
About the Presenter:
The workshop is led by Shyama, a New York-based artist with a degree in fine art and art psychology. She has traveled extensively to sacred places in India, and approaches her art as a form of devotion, guiding participants in self-discovery, mindfulness, and creative expression.
Feel the Rhythm — Kartals Workshop
Kartals, or hand cymbals, are at the core of Kirtan. In this fun and engaging workshop, you will learn the basic techniques — and the proper mood — to play them well, and even have the chance to lead a Kirtan yourself. You will also hear fascinating stories from around the world and gain insights into the spiritual significance of sound. If you’ve ever wanted to learn a musical instrument, this is your opportunity!
About the Presenter:
The workshop is led by Madhava, a bhakti yogi and musician dedicated to promoting the transcendental vibration of Kirtan. He travels the world leading Kirtans and sharing Krishna Consciousness, bringing his love for sacred sound into every session. Madhava is based in Switzerland with his wife, Radhika.
Stories from the Vedas — A Journey Through Ancient Heroes
Step into the world of the Vedas and meet the heroes and heroines whose lives are full of courage, wisdom, and adventure. In this interactive storytelling workshop, Gaura Vani brings these timeless tales to life, showing how the challenges and victories of ancient characters can inspire and guide us today. With his captivating storytelling, music, and humor, Gaura will keep you on the edge of your seat and excited to see what happens next!
About the Presenter:
The workshop is led by Gaura Vani, an American Kirtan singer, storyteller, and performer. He grew up in ashrams surrounded by music and stories, and later worked in Hollywood as an actor and producer. Today, he travels the world sharing Vedic stories and devotional music in a fun, lively, and inspiring way.
Yoga Psychology
Understanding the Mind and Beyond
Join us for an insightful workshop on Yoga Psychology, where we explore the mind and consciousness through the lens of yogic wisdom. You will learn about the core elements that shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors: the mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), ego (ahankara), and subconscious impressions (chitta).
Through discussion, reflection, and practical exercises, you will understand how the mind works according to yogic philosophy, explore the role of the ego and intelligence in shaping your experiences, learn ways to overcome limiting patterns and emotional turbulence, and gain practical tools for self-awareness and reflection.
Kirtan – Expression of the Soul
This workshop is an invitation to experience Kirtan beyond singing—as a living expression of the soul. Through sacred mantra, voice, rhythm, and attentive listening, we explore how sound opens the heart, quiets the mind, and reconnects us with our deepest essence. No musical experience is needed—only sincerity and presence. Together, we learn how to chant in relationship, offer our voice as a prayer, and allow the Divine Names to move through us as a shared experience of devotion, connection, and inner joy.
Relationships
This workshop explores relationships as a path of self-awareness and spiritual growth. Inspired by yogic wisdom, Bhakti philosophy, and psychology, we will reflect on the difference between love and attachment, and how qualities like humility, empathy, and service can transform the way we relate.
Through gentle reflection and experiential exercises, participants are invited to discover how conscious relationships can open the heart, deepen presence, and become a living yoga practice.
About the Presenter:
The workshops are led by Tarana Caitanya, from Croatia. He spent several years living in ashrams, including Vrindavan, which deeply shaped his understanding of mind, consciousness, and personal transformation. He also leads Kirtans and guides participants in practical tools for self-awareness, reflection, and putting “Love in Action” into daily life.
Mental Hygiene — Caring for the Mind
Join Yogi Charu in this practical series on Mental Hygiene, a daily practice for tending the mind with the same care we give the body. Through meditation, yoga nidra, relaxation techniques, and study of ancient spiritual texts, participants learn how to clear mental “clutter,” cultivate clarity, and develop inner calm. This workshop offers practical tools for self-reflection, emotional balance, and conscious living, helping you navigate daily challenges with focus and presence.
About the Presenter:
The workshop is led by Yogi Charu, a traditional yoga and meditation teacher from the Himalayas. With over 25 years of experience, he guides participants in clarity, balance, and inner well-being, combining ancient yogic wisdom with practical tools for daily mental care through his Mental Hygiene program.
Rishikesh Kirtan Fest 