Shakti Fest returns for its seventh season, this year on Mother’s Day weekend itself – May 12 – 14 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, in Joshua Tree, CA. Organized by Bhakti Fest a leader in conscious festival events, Shakti Fest is a unique springtime celebration of the divine feminine spirit, described in Hindu philosophy as the ‘dynamic force which moves the universe’. The festival features world famous yoga teachers, Kirtan music stars, wisdom workshops, sound baths, and a healing sanctuary.
“When we started Shakti Fest as our spring celebration seven years ago, we had no idea it would become such a beloved event,” noted Sridhar Silberfein, founder of Bhakti Fest. “It’s wonderful that we are able to honor the spirit of the universal feminine to align with Mother’s Day this year.”
The Shakti Fest 2017 music lineup includes inspiring Kirtan (a.k.a. chanting) artist Jai Uttal who is releasing his acclaimed 19th (!) album Roots Rock Rama! in March, Donna De Lory, Larissa Stowe, Govind Das & Radha, Girish, Jaya Lakshmi & Ananda, Prajna Vieira & the Mukti Kirtan Ensemble, Amritakripa, Kalakar, Fannah Fi Allah, Krishna’s Kirtan and many more. The centuries-old practice of devotional chanting is considered to connect humans with themselves, the universe, and spirit. T
World-class yoga teachers are the heart of Shakti Fest, and spring in Joshua Tree is a beautiful time to practice indoors and out. 2017 Shakti Fest teachers include Shiva Rea, Mark Whitwell, Saul David Raye, Mas Vidal, Laura Plum, Kia Miller, Tymi Howard, Leeza Villagomez, Jennica Mills, Allison Prince and Katie Allen, Lisa Gniady, Hemalayaa and local desert favorite Kristin Olson leading Shakti-energy invoking sessions in a variety of yoga styles.
Shakti Fest 2016 Workshops will cover topics including Ayurveda, spiritual nutrition, tantric energy, Vedic astrology, breathwork, Sanskrit, conscious relationships, women’s sexuality, bhakti art, and hoop dance, with internationally known speakers including Michael Brian Baker, Syamarani, Lorin Roche, Ph.D., Dawn Cartwright, Zoë Kors, and Dharma Devi. A very special day and a half pre-festival intensive will also be offered with Saul David Raye and Jeffrey Armstrong featuring yoga, meditation, workshops, music and more.
This year Shakti Fest will highlight a “Sound Dome” offering sound baths with some noted practitioners of this popular sonic meditation including the Holistic Chamber of Sound, Michelle Berc, Kosmic Koala, Shane Thunder, Torkom Ji, and more.
The historic Joshua Tree Desert Retreat Center is the oldest and largest retreat center in the Western U.S., located on a sacred site replete with a walking labyrinth. The sublime high desert setting allows for peaceful inner reflection and uplifting spiritual renewal. Accommodation options include, retreat center spaces, yurts, camping, and RV parking, all on site. There are also ten hotels within a few miles of the retreat center. The Shakti Fest Eco Village offers vegetarian and vegan food vendors, yoga clothing and gear, jewelry, art and collectibles. The organizers pride themselves on running a green event, offering free water and mindful recycling practices. For travel information please see Shakti Fest Travel & Lodging.
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