When I first began chanting, I wasn’t trying to be a kirtan leader, I was simply offering my emotions to the Divine. Sadness, joy, frustration, love… I sang it all, to nature, to my altar, to the silence. The response? Relief. Connection. Joy. Soul nourishment.
Over time, I realized: it’s not about complex music or polished performance.
It’s about authenticity, consistency, and creating a space where devotion flows.
Kirtan became my spiritual practice, one that gave deep meaning to my voice and my life.
That’s what I want to share with you.
That’s why I created this training, to help you awaken your voice, deepen your devotion, and finally feel confident about sharing. And what better place than in the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh!!
• Leading your first kirtan
• Chanting daily with joy
• Feeling confident in your voice
• Clear in your devotional practice
That version of you exists and this training is the portal.
When you sign up now, you’re not just joining a week in India…
You’re investing in your long-term transformation.
You’ll receive:
✔️ A private session with me for direct coaching
✔️ 90 days of additional support online so you can keep growing at home
✔️ 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
You’ll be held in a field of encouragement, presence, and love
Check out these videos of previous trainings!
💎 1-on-1 Private Voice or Music Session with Ananda Das ($300 value)
✨ “Ananda’s teachings are truly a transmission—powerful, 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 soul’s gifts. Forever grateful!” – Ninna - Kirtan Training Participant
Namaste, my name is Ananda Das—a 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, I’ve not only walked the path of devotional music—I’ve built the bridge between spiritual expression and professional artistry.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just teach you how to sing—I empower you to step into your voice, lead with confidence, and embody your devotion.
I created this training because it’s the one I wish I had when I was starting out. I know what it’s like to feel called but unsure, devoted but scared to be seen. Through thousands of hours leading kirtan and mentoring students, I’ve developed a system that blends vocal empowerment, instrument training, and deep bhakti sadhana. I’ll meet you exactly where you are—and help you rise into the devotional leader you’re becoming.
Each day is designed to immerse you in the full spectrum of bhakti practice, music training, philosophy, and embodied experience, while still allowing space to rest, integrate, and enjoy the sacred environment of Rishikesh.
7:00 AM – Dynamic Bhakti Yoga (Sattva Yoga Inspired)
We begin the day with an energizing and heart-opening yoga practice integrating asana, pranayama, mantra, and meditation. Each class will be inspired by the deity or archetype of the day, helping you embody the qualities of devotion, strength, wisdom, or compassion through movement and breath.
9:00 AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Singing & Voice Opening Class
This daily vocal session focuses on opening and strengthening the voice for devotional singing. Through breathwork, toning, scales, and resonance practices, you'll develop greater vocal freedom, confidence, and clarity in your chanting and leading.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Free Time
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Philosophy & Archetypes
Each day we will explore the mythology, symbolism, and spiritual significance of a specific deity or archetype such as Shiva, Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswati, Hanuman, or Krishna. These teachings help deepen your understanding of bhakti while connecting the ancient stories to modern life and personal practice.
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Free Time
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Learning Kirtan Chants & Music Fundamentals
In this session we focus on the practical musical aspects of kirtan. You will learn melodies, harmonium or guitar chord progressions, rhythm structures, and how chants are traditionally organized in call-and-response format.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Free Time
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Leading Chants / Song Circle
This is where everything begins to come together. Participants will have the opportunity to practice leading chants in front of a supportive sangha, developing confidence and presence as a kirtan leader. Ananda Das will offer guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback in a safe and encouraging environment.
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Evening Kirtan
We close each day in collective devotion through heart-opening kirtan, allowing the music, mantra, and community energy to integrate the day’s learning and bring us back to the essence of bhakti.
This training also offers 50 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.
*Please note, if you do want the credits, it will be an additional $100.
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.
Our home for the week is Terra Cotta Rishikesh, a beautiful boutique retreat that blends modern comfort with the tranquility of the Himalayas. Surrounded by nature and just minutes from the Ganges and Rishikesh's sacred sites, it offers elegant accommodations, delicious vegetarian meals, and peaceful spaces to relax, reflect, and integrate each day's experiences.
To see the place, 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 $250–$300 USD
In the U.S., similar harmoniums can cost $500–$1000 or more
👉 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!
🔸 Guitar Players – 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:
👉 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.
👉 Sattva can help arrange trusted taxi service for both Dehradun and Delhi arrivals. To book your ground transportation, contact Sattva directly at: 📧 info@sattvaretreat.com
They will help you schedule a safe and comfortable ride from either Dehradun or Delhi.
Sattva Retreat Center:
👉 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 Feb. 1st. Sattva offers beautiful accommodations, nourishing food, and stunning natural surroundings—it’s the perfect place to land gently. The jet lag and travel is a serious endeavor and this will help to get you ready.
If you have any travel concerns or would like additional support, please reach out to me or the Sattva team directly. We’re here to help make your journey to India as smooth and supported as possible.
📧 info@sattvaretreat.com
This is a rare opportunity to study and immerse in bhakti yoga in the birthplace of yoga itself—with 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.
💌 Schedule your free 15-minute consult or register today:
📧 AnandaDasEvents@Yahoo.com
🎶 Your voice is ready. Your soul is calling. Let this be the moment you say yes.
