Upcoming India Pilgrimage

“Still waiting to feel ‘ready’? The path begins when you say yes — not when you feel perfect.”

Discover the confidence to lead kirtan with heart, even if you've never led before.

“This Isn’t Just About Learning Songs, It’s About Becoming Who You Really Are.”

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!!

Reserve Your Spot

Why This Training?

Is India, Kirtan and Bhakti Calling You?!

Join Ananda Das for a soul-stirring 7-day immersion into the art and heart of Kirtan. Over the course of 7 days you’ll:

  • 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

Reserve Your Spot
 
 
Testimonial Slider

TESTIMONIAL

Why Ananda Das As Your Guide?

Ananda Das is a musician, yoga teacher, and founder of the Modern Bhakti Yoga Academy who loves helping people discover the joy, freedom, and power of their own voice. Whether through singing, kirtan, mantra, yoga, or meditation, his mission is simple: to help people experience a deeper connection to themselves, each other, and the Divine.

Since picking up the guitar in 2000, Ananda has been sharing music that invites people to sing from the heart rather than perform for perfection.

His workshops blend practical vocal training, musical skills, yogic wisdom, and devotional practices into an experience that is uplifting, transformational, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you're convinced you "can't sing" or you're an experienced musician, you'll leave feeling more confident, inspired, and connected.

For nearly two decades, Ananda has immersed himself in the path of yoga and bhakti, weaving ancient practices into an accessible, modern approach for today's spiritual seekers. His music has reached listeners around the world with more than 80 released tracks and over 3 million streams, while his live trainings and retreats continue to inspire students to find their own authentic expression.

In 2021, he founded the Modern Bhakti Yoga Academy, an international community offering immersive trainings, online courses, mentorship, and a membership dedicated to singing, kirtan, bhakti, and embodied spiritual practice. Through the Academy, he also mentors aspiring kirtan leaders and teachers, helping them develop not only their musical skills, but the confidence and presence to share from the heart.

Ananda has been teaching Kundalini Yoga since 2006 and completed his 300-hour certification in the Himalayan tradition of Sattva Yoga in 2020. Alongside years of dedicated study in mantra, meditation, philosophy, and devotional traditions, he holds a bachelor's degree in International and Sustainable Business with a minor in East Asian Religions.

Whether leading a festival crowd in joyful chant, guiding an intimate retreat, or coaching students one-on-one, Ananda's greatest passion is creating spaces where people can awaken their voice, open their hearts, and discover that devotion isn't something you perfect—it's something you live.

Daily Rhythm of the Training

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

(Terra Cotta Rishikesh 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

Nourishing breakfast and time to connect with fellow participants.

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

Time to rest, reflect, journal, connect with nature, or simply recharge.

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

Enjoy a nourishing vegetarian meal and community connection.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Free Time

Personal integration, relaxation, nature walks, journaling, or rest.

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

Integration time before the evening devotional practices.

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

Community dinner and evening nourishment.

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.

Earn 50 Hours Yoga Alliance Credit

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.

Reserve Your Spot

Devotional Adventures!!

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.

🌊

Dip in the Holy Ganges

Experience the purifying power of Ma Ganga with a ritual bath in her sacred waters—an unforgettable moment of surrender and blessing.

🪔

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Join the vibrant, heart-opening sunset aarti on the banks of the Ganges. With fire, chant, and devotion in the air, this is a soul-stirring celebration not to be missed.

🛕

Temple Visits

We'll visit local temples dedicated to deities such as Shiva, Durga, Kali, Hanuman, and Radha & Krishna, offering our prayers, chanting, and presence in these ancient spaces of worship.

Your Luxurious Destination - Terra Cotta Rishikesh

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.

Contact Terra Cotta Rishikesh at: bookings@terrakottarishikesh.com

To see a video of the center and accommodations, click here.

Reserve Your Spot
 

Arrival Guide to India & Terra Cotta

You have two main travel options to get to Terra Cotta Rishikesh Retreat Center:

Registration

It's important to note the following details regarding the deposit for your stay:

Payment Plans Available

Select the room style you want and then upon check out there is the option for a payment plan or to pay in full. 

Cancellation Policy

Please be aware that all payments made are non-refundable. Should you need to cancel, payments can be used for a future trainings or retreats.

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.

Reserve Your Spot

Register ASAP!

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.

Your voice is ready. Your soul is calling. Let this be the moment you say yes.

Reserve Your Spot

Your Journey Begins Here

Step into a transformative retreat experience designed to awaken your heart, expand your voice, and reconnect you to devotion.

Â