Ecstatic Kirtans: Rhythms, Melody and Bliss
Ecstatic Kirtans: Rhythms, Melody and Bliss
Up to 30 in group
September 19 - 21, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Experience a powerful immersion in sacred sound with the Mayapuris
- Learn the history, tradition, and culture of Bhakti and Kirtan
- Explore classical raaga (melody) and tala (rhythm) in an engaging format
- Participate in dynamic Kirtan sessions ranging from meditative to ecstatic
- Connect deeply through music, devotion, and joyful community gatherings
About this Retreat
Bali Rico is a lyricist, multi-instrumentalist, author and bhakta. Born in the U.S. to Colombian parents, he and younger brother Kish spent their formative years living in ashrams in the sacred land of Mayapur, West Bengal, learning the traditions and music of ancient India. Bali's mridanga playing is fiery, innovative and precise, helping to create the Mayapuris signature sound. As a lyricist, Bali's flow mirrors the intricate rhythm of a born percussionist, with thoughtful prose full of insight, philosophy and personal reflection.
Krishna Kishora (Kish) is a musical adept, his various talents as a composer and artist enhanced by the depth of his practice. Kishor’s flute playing hums with spiritual resonance and a deep devotion to the path. His rhythmic style is distinct and creative, his kirtan is soulful, and he loves connecting with the audience in a genuine and energetic way.
He is one of the founders of the world renowned Kirtan group the Mayapuris and also serves as an active Recording Academy Member.
Kish is also the head of a non-profit organization meant for sharing the culture of kirtan and bhakti with youth from bhakti centers all around the world.
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Details of this retreat
Kish and Bali, the two brothers from the international kirtan group Mayapuris, join forces at Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville for a magical experience of music and devotion. Join this traveling family of Bhakti artists on an immersive journey of sacred sound with explosive beats and soaring melodies, unique kirtan and original songs!
Enter a space of music and magic, diving deep into the practice of Kirtan. Learn the tradition and culture of Bhakti during concerts and intimate workshops,
Participants will experience:
An immersion into the sounds, songs and history of this ancient practice
An introduction to classical raaga (melody) and tala (rhythm)
A journey through the moods of Kirtan ranging from the meditative to the ecstatic
Tentative Schedule
FRIDAY
3–5 pm
Registration
5–6:30
Mixed Level Hatha
5–5:45
Yoga Nidra
6–6:30
Meditation
6:30–7:15
Dinner
7:30–9
Introductions and Kirtan
SATURDAY
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
Joint Freeing Series
8–9:30
Breakfast
10–11:30
Kirtan at Kailash (Nataraj Shrine)
11:45
Van to LOTUS
12–12:30 pm
Meditation at LOTUS
12:45–1:30
Lunch
3–5
Raga and Tala
5:30–6:15
Dinner
7:30–9
Satsang (gathering of the seekers of Truth)
Video of Swami Satchidananda
Kirtan Concert
SUNDAY
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
8–9:30
Breakfast
10–11:30
Final Kirtan
12–12:30 pm
Meditation
12:45–1:30
Lunch
Enter a space of music and magic, diving deep into the practice of Kirtan. Learn the tradition and culture of Bhakti during concerts and intimate workshops,
Participants will experience:
An immersion into the sounds, songs and history of this ancient practice
An introduction to classical raaga (melody) and tala (rhythm)
A journey through the moods of Kirtan ranging from the meditative to the ecstatic
Tentative Schedule
FRIDAY
3–5 pm
Registration
5–6:30
Mixed Level Hatha
5–5:45
Yoga Nidra
6–6:30
Meditation
6:30–7:15
Dinner
7:30–9
Introductions and Kirtan
SATURDAY
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
Joint Freeing Series
8–9:30
Breakfast
10–11:30
Kirtan at Kailash (Nataraj Shrine)
11:45
Van to LOTUS
12–12:30 pm
Meditation at LOTUS
12:45–1:30
Lunch
3–5
Raga and Tala
5:30–6:15
Dinner
7:30–9
Satsang (gathering of the seekers of Truth)
Video of Swami Satchidananda
Kirtan Concert
SUNDAY
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
8–9:30
Breakfast
10–11:30
Final Kirtan
12–12:30 pm
Meditation
12:45–1:30
Lunch
Getting Here
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
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
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only
LGH: Full Bed
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.
LGH: 2 Twin beds
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
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
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
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
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
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
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
Last Chance
