Kirtan Training with Govind Das

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Up to 30 in group
Date
June 13 - 15, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • Learn the basics or advance your skills in harmonium and kirtan
  • Explore Bhakti Yoga practices like arati, japa meditation, and storytelling
  • Discover new mantras and deepen your kirtan practice in a loving group
  • Enjoy a special Saturday night concert with Govind Das
  • Connect with a vibrant Bhakti Yoga community for satsang and sadhana

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Step into a world of bhav and devotion, join Govind Das of Bhakti Yoga Shala for this special Kirtan Training at Yogaville.

Immerse yourself in a weekend of heartwarming connections and kirtan!  Learn the basics of harmonium or take your skills to the next level, this training is for all levels of kirtaniyas! In addition to learning mantras, enjoy other Bhakti practices like arati, japa meditation, inspirational readings, stories of the gods and goddesses, and so much more!

Remember the essential love of who we really are as we engage in the practices of Bhakti Yoga which serve as gateways to clarity of mind and the profound love that resides within each of us.

Through shared satsang (community) and collective sadhana (practice), we'll find ourselves drenched in the fragrant love of Bhakti Yoga. Being together in Bhakti Satsang is a blessing, and so important in our lives. Even if you already know how to play, you will learn new mantras to add to your kirtans, get dedicated bhakti & kirtan practice in a loving and supportive group, and have fun!

*Please note, a harmonium or keyboard is needed for this training.

Govind Das will perform a special concert on Saturday night at Yogaville as part of the Kirtan Training.
For those unable to attend the full weekend training, please join us for an intimate Saturday Satsang Concert. All are welcome.
FAQs

Question: Do I need any experience to participate?
Govind Das: No musical or keyboard experience is needed! This training is for you, and you will leave playing and chanting kirtan! We will help you learn the basics, and get you started playing and singing kirtan! We will teach you the mantras at a perfect level for newbies.


Question: What if I already know how to play my harmonium?
Govind Das: All are welcome to join! For those who already play harmonium – this training will help you take your skills to the next level. While new students are learning the basics, you will be guided to learn the mantras using notes, drones, and a mixer of notes, drones and chords! Students will find this training very helpful in building their skills, and making them better players!


Question: What if I don’t have a harmonium?
Govind Das: A keyboard is a good alternative! You can purchase an inexpensive one before you dive into buying a harmonium. (All of the chords we provide work on other instruments, too- guitar, ukelele, etc… However, the training is specifically for harmonium/keyboards)


Question: I have already taken a few Modules with you. Will these be new songs?
Govind Das: YES! We teach new mantras during every Module! Many of our students enroll in all of the Modules to keep their practice & learning going!


Question: What will we be doing in this training?
Govind Das: In addition to learning to play the mantras on our harmoniums and keyboards, we’ll enjoy other beautiful bhakti practices together like: learning the meanings and melodies for kirtan songs, stories of the Gods and Goddesses, prayer, Japa meditation, Aarti (offering light), satsang and group discussion, and much more!

Testimonials
“It was one of the best programs I've ever attended. It was specialized, but catered perfectly to everyone there. Great presenter, very inspiring! Wonderful energy from the whole group and the Yogaville staff. I would like to take this program every quarter at least, please have Govind Das back often! “
“Coming to Yogaville is always a peaceful and relaxing time. Making connections with others is easy or keeping to yourself for a more silent or introspective approach is never frowned upon. There are many classes, hiking trails, activities, and places to visit on the grounds. Their motto is 'be good. do good' and that's pretty much how everyone is and will be towards anyone that arrives at their door.”
“I wanted to learn more bhajans and to lead kirtan more confidently. I got all that and more. This program was the best! So bhakti, so heart oriented, so Yogaville!”




Tentative Schedule




Friday



2-5 pm
Registration


5–6:30
Intro to Kirtan, Philosophy and Mantra with Govind Das


6:30–7:20
Dinner


7:30–9
Music and Keyboard Philosophy 101 with Govind Das



Saturday



6-7 am
Guided Meditation with …………


7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha with ….


8–9:30
Breakfast


9:30–12:30
Sri Ram/Sita Ram Kirtan with Govind Das


12:45–1:30
Lunch


2–5
Mahamantra Kirtan with Govind Das


5:30–6:15
Dinner


7:30–9
Satsang (Gathering of Seekers of the Truth):
- Kirtan with Govind Das
- Video of Swami Satchidananda
- Speakers



Sunday



6-7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation


7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha with …..


8–9:30
Breakfast


9–12
Divine Mother and Siva Kirtan with Govind Das


12–12:30 pm
Meditation


12:45–1:30
Lunch

Getting Here

Location icon Yogaville

Directions

Yogaville offers transportation from the airport, train and bus stations in Charlottesville, VA. If you are driving Google Maps has reliable turn-by-turn directions.

Accommodation

Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory

The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)

Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.

Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.

Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk

Accommodation
Bottom bunk in a shared dorm room. Dorm rooms contain 4-8 beds. Shared bathroom Dorm rooms are not coed Availability is Gender Specific

Private Dormitory

Accommodation
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only

LGH: Full Bed

Accommodation
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.    

LGH: 2 Twin beds

Accommodation
Private Room and Private Bath. Two twin Beds and a private bath that is ideal for friends looking to experience the bliss of Yogaville.  

LGH: Queen Bed

Accommodation
Private Room and Private Bath. A queen bed or a queen with two day beds and a private bath that is perfect for couples and families searching for a peaceful time together. Please put in the personal comments if you need a room that includes trundles.  

Tent-Site

Accommodation
Open from Mar. 16–Nov. 30. Closed from Dec. 1–Mar. 15 Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are Eighteen campsites. Campers have use of the nearby bathhouse as well as laundry facilities at the LGH Building 3.   Also, all tent sites have tent platforms for a more comfortable and dry tenting experience.  Fires and Stoves are not Permitted. Price is per person per night. Please bring your own tent, tie downs, tarp (weather protection). bedding and towels.  

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Yogaville is home to the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). The LOTUS is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths. The vision, design and inspiration of Sri Swami Satchidananda, LOTUS was dedicated in 1986. It demonstrates, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” In the peaceful countryside of Virginia, the doors of LOTUS are open to welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Meals

Menu Types

Organic, vegetarian/vegan food Labeled ingredients Lacto-vegetarian Gluten-free and vegan options Salad bar Large herbal tea selection Coffee is available for purchase at Mandala Cafe

What's Included

  • Accomodations
  • Meals
  • Meditation Sessions
  • Yoga Classes

What's Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Airfare

Customer Reviews

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