When I first began chanting, I wasnāt trying to be a kirtan leaderāI was simply offering my emotions to the Divine. Sadness, joy, frustration, love⦠I sang it allāto nature, to my altar, to the silence. The response? Relief. Connection. Joy. Soul nourishment.
Over time, I realized: itās not about complex music or polished performance.
Itās about authenticity, consistency, and creating a space where devotion flows.
Kirtan became my spiritual practiceāone that gave deep meaning to my voice and my life.
Thatās what I want to share with you.
Thatās why I created this training, to help you awaken your voice, deepen your devotion, and finally feel confident sharing your sacred sound.
...leading your first kirtan,
...chanting daily with joy,
...feeling confident in your voice,
...clear in your devotional practice.
That version of you existsāand this training is the portal.
When you sign up now, youāre not just joining a week in Indiaā¦
Youāre investing in your long-term transformation.
Youāll receive:
āļø A private session with me for direct coaching
āļø 90 days of additional support online so you can keep growing at home
āļø A soulful experience that will nourish your heart and purpose
This is your moment.
Daily voice activation & singing practice
Learn to lead kirtan on harmonium or guitar
Mantra breakdowns: meaning, pronunciation, melody, rhythm
Space-holding skills and how to guide a kirtan experience
Connect with the stories and energies of the deities
Embody devotion through mantra, music, and movement
Explore bhakti philosophy, mythology, and ritual
Visit ancient temples and participate in sacred pujas
Experience the magic of the Ganga Aarti
Soak in the powerful spiritual energy of Rishikesh
Open to those with some background in playing and singing with instrument
Emphasis on confidence-building and embodied expression
Youāll be held in a field of encouragement, presence, and love
Check out these videos of previous trainings!
š 1-on-1 Private Voice or Music Session with Ananda Das ($300 value)
⨠āAnandaās teachings are truly a transmissionāpowerful, devotional, and heart-opening. He creates a loving space where everyone feels safe to flourish into their unique expression. Each day I fell in love with the deities through yoga and kirtan, and even though I had sung these chants for years, this training brought a new depth of meaning and embodiment. Learning harmonium in such a nourishing environment felt so natural and fulfilling. I left with a heart full of devotion, new chants to carry forward, and a deeper connection to my soulās gifts. Forever grateful!ā ā Ninna - Kirtan Training Participant
Namaste, my name is Ananda Dasāa seasoned kirtan leader, touring musician, and founder of the Modern Bhakti Yoga Academy. With over 17 professionally produced albums, 3 million+ streams, and 15+ years of global teaching and performance, Iāve not only walked the path of devotional musicāIāve built the bridge between spiritual expression and professional artistry.
What sets me apart is that I donāt just teach you how to singāI empower you to step into your voice, lead with confidence, and embody your devotion.
I created this training because itās the one I wish I had when I was starting out. I know what itās like to feel called but unsure, devoted but scared to be seen. Through thousands of hours leading kirtan and mentoring students, Iāve developed a system that blends vocal empowerment, instrument training, and deep bhakti sadhana. Iāll meet you exactly where you areāand help you rise into the devotional leader youāre becoming.
7:00 ā 8:30am Dynamic Bhakti Yoga (Sattva Style)
Start each day with a deity themed yoga class to support bhakti embodiment.
9:00 ā 10:00am Breakfast
10:00 ā 11:00am š¤ Vocal Empowerment & Stage Presence Techniques
Strengthen your voice, expand your range, and learn to sing with confidence and clarity.
11:00am ā 1:00pm š¹ Instrument & Rhythm Hacks
Refine your harmonium, guitar, or rhythm skills with simple, effective techniques for leading with ease.
1:00pm š„ Lunch
2:00 ā 4:00pm š¶ Kirtan Leadership Practicum
Practice leading chantsāsolo and in group formatsāwith real-time guidance, coaching, and loving support from Ananda Das.
4:00 ā 6:00pm š
Free Time / Sunset Chill
Time to unwind, connect with others, or enjoy the serene beauty of Villa Sumaya.
6:00 ā 7:00pm š Dinner
7:00 ā 9:00pm š„ Evening Kirtan Practice
Step into sacred space, deepen your leading skills, and embody the devotional energy of the bhav.
* Please note we will be going on adventures every other day and be leaving after lunch or prior. On outings we will also find time to practice chants, such as by the Ganges or at temples.
This training also offers 70 hours of Yoga Alliance credits and counts towards the completion of the Modern Bhakti Yoga Academy 300-hour certification. Whether you're aiming to complete the full 300-hour certification or simply wish to experience this unique training, you're welcome to join.
Beyond the daily rhythm of music, mantra, and practice, this training includes sacred excursions to some of the most spiritually charged sites in the region. These devotional adventures will deepen your connection to the land, the lineage, and the living pulse of bhakti.
These journeys into the spiritual culture of India will expand your perspective, awaken your heart, and support your devotional path in profound and lasting ways.
A serene and spiritually charged location in the Himalayan foothillsāideal for deep practice, reflection, and transformation. It's where I've done many of my trainings and I'm excited to share it with you!
Contact Sattva at: š§ info@sattvaretreat.com
To see a video of the center and accommodations, click here.
Rishikesh is a great place to rent or purchase your first (or next) harmonium!
For Rent: Still waiting on information in regards to this.
For Purchasing:
Quality instruments range from $250ā$300 USD
In the U.S., similar harmoniums can cost $500ā$1000 or more
š If you plan to purchase, consider arriving a day early (Jan. 31st) to have time to shop and get comfortable with your instrument.
Other option is to travel with your own. It's a very long trip and that can be a lot, but some people do it!
šø Guitar Players ā Bring your own or you could purchase a cheap one in Rishikesh ($100-$150)
You have two main travel options to get to Sattva Retreat Center:
š You can fly into a major international hub (most likely Delhi as it's closest) and then take a domestic flight to Dehradun. There's more flight logistics with this and keep in mind the flight from Delhi to Dehradun will be an extra luggage fee, separate from your regular flight to Delhi.
š Sattva can help arrange trusted taxi service for both Dehradun and Delhi arrivals. To book your ground transportation, contact Sattva directly at: š§ info@sattvaretreat.com
They will help you schedule a safe and comfortable ride from either Dehradun or Delhi.
Sattva Retreat Center:
š Be sure to apply at least 2 weeks before your flight, just in case of delays.
It's important to note the following details regarding the deposit for your stay:
For inquiries or to schedule a free consultation call, please email AnandaDasEvents@yahoo.com
Understanding these terms will help you plan accordingly and make informed decisions regarding your booking and potential changes to your travel plans. This policy is designed to be fair and transparent, acknowledging the complexities of event planning while also considering the needs and circumstances of our participants.
I recommend arriving at least 1 day early (Jan. 31st) if possible to rest, acclimate, and settle in before the training begins on February 1st. Sattva offers beautiful accommodations, nourishing food, and stunning natural surroundingsāitās the perfect place to land gently. The jet lag and travel is a serious endeavor and this will help to get you ready may help to
If you have any travel concerns or would like additional support, please reach out to me or the Sattva team directly. Weāre here to help make your journey to India as smooth and supported as possible.
š§ info@sattvaretreat.com
This is a rare opportunity to study and immerse in bhakti yoga in the birthplace of yoga itselfāwith hands-on guidance, a loving community, and the sacred land of Rishikesh holding you every step of the way.
Spaces are limited and filling quickly.
š Schedule your free 15-minute consult or register today:
š§ AnandaDasEvents@Yahoo.com
š¶ Your voice is ready. Your soul is calling. Let this be the moment you say yes.