Programme
Over several days, Kirtan Fest Aotearoa unfolds as a living gathering of music, devotion, and community. From powerful collective kirtan and sound journeys to forest drumming, shared meals, and moments of quiet connection, the programme weaves together many ways to experience the yoga of the heart.
Kirtan Fest organisers Anna and Adhyatma take nervous system care seriously and the programme reflects that.
What you can expect
Kirtan
Kirtanists from across Aotearoa sharing devotional chant and music.
Akhanda Kirtan
A powerful seven-hour continuous kirtan held in the festival marquee
The Kiratan Festival was such a joyful and heart-opening experience for me. The singing felt both meditative and energising, and there was such a strong sense of connection in the space. The people, the atmosphere, the whole vibe, it was truly special. I’m so grateful I went and would happily return.
Sound Journeys
Deeply restorative sound experiences guided by experienced practitioners.
Movement & Dance
Dances of Universal Peace, forest drumming circles, and ecstatic dance.
Beautiful venue, beautiful music and atmosphere, spiritual and affirming.
Community Life
Shared meals, time in nature, and plenty of space to rest and connect.
Kids Zone
Daily activities so tamariki can enjoy the festival too.
This festival was an absolute delight to attend. The location was gorgeous & we were so lucky to gave sunny warm weather. I felt nourished, spiritually & energetically topped up by the chanting & the people that both ran it & attended the event. It was deeply heartfelt, feminine, sincere & authentic. I didn’t feel in my head or ego space nor did I feel that it was about buying or consuming anything other than meals. Big thanks to you all!!! Bolo Bolo!!! Xox
How the Festival Flows . . .
While facilitators and lead kirtanists are confirmed throughout the year, the festival tends to follow a gentle and uplifting rhythm. Over four days the programme unfolds through music, movement, shared meals, and time to connect - creating a balance between vibrant collective experiences and moments of rest and reflection.
The first day of the festival centres on arrival, settling in, a warm welcome, and an opening havan to begin the gathering together. The final days are relaxed - a time to reflect, enjoy community offerings, and gently close the festival in the early afternoon. The days unfold in a natural rhythm of music, practice, and shared community - something like this:
Mornings: The day often begins quietly, gentle movement, Hanuman Chalisa chanting and early kirtan to welcome the new day. These sessions create a calm and grounded start before the energy of the festival begins to build.
Late Morning and Afternoon: As the day unfolds, the space comes alive with community kirtan, sound journeys, workshops, and time to wander in the forest and ancient trees of Strathean. You may find yourself singing in the marquee, exploring the healing sanctuary , connecting in the cacao tent, or simply relaxing beneath the trees.
Evenings: bring everyone together again with shared meals, food trucks, and powerful collective music experiences. As the light fades, the energy of the day deepens into joyful, immersive, esctatic and embodied dance sessions.
Special Events: Throughout the festival there are special highlights such as the Akhanda Kirtan - a continuous devotional chant held over seven hours - along with forest drumming circles, sound journeys, ecstatic dance, and other unique offerings like the community led Cacao tent kirtan.