Voices Together Ecstatic Chant

Imagine spending a weekend surrendered to the rhythmic power of devotional chanting, surrounded by some of the West's most luminous kirtan singers—a collective experience where your voice joins hundreds of others in an ancient call-and-response that dissolves the boundaries between self and spirit. Voices Together Ecstatic Chant is an immersive kirtan retreat that gathers Krishna Das, Nina Rao, Jai Uttal, Gaura Vani, Visvambhar Sheth, Jaya Lakshmi, and Steve Gorn at the serene Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY for a transformative weekend beginning Friday, September 4, 2026.

Rooted in Hindu devotional tradition, kirtan is far more than singing—it is a portal to inner silence, boundless love, and direct connection with the divine. This retreat weaves together hours of call-and-response chanting in various styles, gentle yoga, meditation, and storytelling that ground the practice in wisdom and heart. Whether you arrive as a seasoned chanter or a curious newcomer, you'll discover how the collective energy of shared voice and breath can kindle joy, awaken longing, and deepen your relationship to something greater than yourself.

This is a retreat designed for seekers ready to get lost in music, community, and the timeless medicine of devotional sound. You'll leave not just inspired, but fundamentally shifted—carrying the resonance of these sacred chants into your daily life.

What to Expect

Over the weekend, you'll experience multiple sessions of kirtan led by world-renowned teachers, interspersed with restorative yoga, silent meditation, and dharma talks that illuminate the spiritual dimensions of chanting practice. Each teacher brings their own musical style and devotional lineage, creating rich variety while maintaining the unifying thread of heartfelt prayer and surrender.

The arc moves from invocation to deepening immersion: mornings begin gently, afternoons build in intensity and joy, and evenings often reach ecstatic heights where the distinction between singer and song dissolves. You'll chant Sanskrit names and mantras—ancient formulas that activate transformation at cellular and soul levels—supported by instruments including harmonium, drums, and sitar.

Participants leave with:
- Direct experience of kirtan's meditative and ecstatic dimensions
- A lived understanding of call-and-response as a gateway to unity consciousness
- New chants and practices to integrate into your spiritual life
- Connection to a global kirtan community
- Renewed access to joy, devotion, and inner silence

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Omega Institute, a renowned holistic learning center nestled on 230 acres of natural beauty in Rhinebeck, NY. The institute provides comfortable lodging, nourishing vegetarian meals, and sacred gathering spaces designed for deep practice.

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for sitting and gentle movement. Bring any meditation cushions or blankets that support your practice. All levels welcome—no prior kirtan or musical experience required. The Omega Institute is fully accessible; contact them directly for specific accommodation needs.