Kirtan Evolution New Year's Retreat

The Kirtan Evolution New Year's Retreat is a kirtan retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, led by the kirtan artist Girish. Over the turn of the year, it brings together singers, instrumentalists and people who simply want to listen, in the call-and-response chanting of the bhakti tradition. It suits anyone drawn to mantra music, whether you have sung kirtan for years or have never opened your mouth in a group.

At the center of the retreat is the Sacred Choir. In kirtan there is always a call and a response, and the response is the heartbeat of the practice. The group roots itself in a shared voice, and every voice is welcomed exactly as it is.

What to Expect

The days move through chant, rhythm, music and collective singing, with heart-opening mantra music at the core. You can sing, play an instrument, or simply bask in the sound. For those who want to deepen their playing, there is simple, intuitive guidance for harmonium, guitar, drums, keyboard and more, with easy-to-follow charts and step-by-step support for beginners through advanced musicians. There are also opportunities to share your own kirtan practice in a safe, encouraging circle.

The retreat runs for four days, and the rhythm of the schedule is steady:

- Opening day: check-in begins at 2:00 pm, followed by Kripalu Yoga from 4:45 to 6:00, dinner, and a first program session from 7:30 to 9:00 in the evening.
- Full days: Kripalu Yoga from 6:30 to 7:45 am, silent breakfast, a program session from 9:00 to 11:30, lunch, another session from 1:30 to 4:00, evening yoga, dinner, and an evening session. The evening session is kirtan on Wednesday only.
- Closing day: morning yoga and silent breakfast, a final program session from 9:00 to 11:00, then lunch and departure.

Times can shift, so the Guest Boards or the schedule given at check-in carry the final details and room locations.

About Girish

Girish is a kirtan artist who leads call-and-response chanting, live music and workshops. His work holds music and mantra as a path to the joy, healing and freedom that come from giving voice to what lives within us. He plays live alongside yoga classes, leads chant workshops including multi-day chant camps, and guides retreats built around chant, rhythm, breath and shared singing. A Sacred Choir sits at the heart of these gatherings. His work also reaches into sound healing, including Attuned Soundscapes, customized healing soundscapes tuned to a person's own singing bowls.

The Setting

Kripalu is a yoga and health center in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, and its accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room for solitude or a community dormitory if you are drawn to connection with other guests. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room holds your bags until then. Meals are three a day, and breakfast is taken in silence. Your stay includes access to the Kripalu grounds.

Before You Go

No musical experience is needed, only your presence and willingness to join. The retreat welcomes all levels of music and spiritual practice, and prior kirtan or yoga experience is not required. It is taught in English.

Registration includes daily kirtan and chanting sessions, instrument guidance, more than ten yoga classes over the stay, three meals a day, your accommodation, access to the grounds and group sharing circles. Healing Arts sessions and items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are available separately, and private instruction is not part of the program. On departure day, room check-out is at 10:00 am, and you may remain on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.