Experience the magic of the season like never before as we joyfully welcome Snatam Kaur back to the ashram for our annual Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year Symposium. This is more than a musical event; it’s a journey into the heart of devotional music that will uplift your spirit and nourish your soul.

Join Snatam Kaur, one of the most cherished voices in the Sikh tradition, for two unforgettable evening satsangs where her angelic voice will transport you to a place of deep peace and connection. Her music is not just heard; it’s felt, resonating within you long after the last note fades.

But the experience doesn’t end there. Snatam and her husband, Sopurkh, will lead two afternoon workshops designed to guide you into the transformative practice of kirtan. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to release pent-up emotions, heal on every level—mental, physical, and spiritual—and deepen your connection with yourself and the universe.

This immersive experience includes one satsang and two powerful workshops (schedule subject to change). Your journey begins with an 8 pm satsang on the first day and culminates in a 90-minute noon workshop on the final day. For the most enriching experience, we recommend arriving at least one day before the program starts to fully integrate into the ashram’s serene environment. Click here to read more about the Yoga Vacation Program details and view the ashram schedule for yoga classes and meals during your stay.

What you’ll discover:

• Techniques to release emotions through the power of chanting
• Methods to enhance concentration and develop a focused mind
• A profound sense of interconnectedness with all beings and the universe
• Stress relief through the bliss of devotional singing
• A pathway to elevate your mood, induce relaxation, and sharpen your attention
• A holistic approach to self-healing on spiritual, mental, physical, and intellectual levels through both communal and individual chanting practices

What is kirtan?

Kirtan is an ancient practice of calling, reciting, and glorifying the divine. It’s a joyful, communal form of devotion that blends chanting with the vibrant sounds of instruments like the harmonium, tabla, and cymbals.

This sacred tradition, which re-emerged in the 20th century alongside Bhakti yoga, has been reignited across the globe. In kirtan, the power of collective chanting creates an atmosphere of unity, joy, and profound spiritual connection. It’s accessible to all, offering a simple yet deeply meaningful way to experience the divine.

The benefits of kirtan are vast. Chanting has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and various mental ailments, while also enhancing memory, focus, and mood. By engaging in this practice, you can restore balance to your body and mind, regulate your sleep and energy, and activate the “rest and digest” response of your body, leading to a state of deep relaxation and healing.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to transform your holiday season with the timeless beauty of kirtan. Let Snatam Kaur’s music guide you into a space of inner peace and universal love.

What are the benefits of kirtan?

Chanting mantra has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, dependencies and many mental ailments. The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation recommends the chant Saa Taa Naa Maa for improving memory, developing greater attention, concentration, and focus, and bettering the mood. Other research studies also showcase the benefit of chanting for chronic pain conditions.

The practice of kirtan or chanting mantra regularly has been shown to bring our bodies back into balance, promoting holistic wellbeing: mental, intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Chanting helps us regulate our sleep, energy input and output, and, thanks to the stimulation of the vagus nerve, the “rest and digest” response of our bodies which is also responsible for regulating breathing, heart rate, muscles, digestion, circulation, and even the vocal cords. Simply put, chanting helps slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, relax different muscles and produce slow, regular, and deep respiration.