Diwali Kirtan Ecstatic Dance with Rubaba
The Experience
Honor the Festival of Lights Through Mantra, Dance & Devotion
An Immersive Celebration from Inner Light to Collective Radiance
As autumn deepens and the Festival of Lights approaches, when the world can sometimes feel dim and the way forward uncertain, we gather to reconnect with the light within, awaken the heart, and remember the love that connects us all.
Rooted in Bhakti Yoga—the path of love and devotion—this immersive Diwali celebration invites us into a living experience of sacred sound, embodied movement, and collective joy. Through mantra, ecstatic kirtan, and dance, we honor Diwali’s timeless invitation to move from darkness to light, from separation to connection, and from stillness into the radiant fullness of life.
Tantra Collective is delighted to welcome back Rubaba for another extraordinary journey of devotional music and ecstatic expression following his unforgettable Philadelphia premiere at Holi.
A beloved Interfusion Festival favorite, Rubaba weaves Indian classical traditions, global electronic music, and the yogic science of sound into a genre-defying musical experience. Blending ancient mantras with organic rhythms and contemporary electronic textures, his live soundscapes invite us beyond passive listening into an embodied encounter with vibration, presence, and the transformative power of collective song.
We begin by gathering in presence, opening our hearts through mantra and devotional song. As voices rise and rhythms build, chanting gives way to movement, inviting the body to express what words cannot. Through ecstatic dance, we celebrate the freedom, vitality, and interconnectedness that emerge when we allow ourselves to be fully here. The energy then settles through Naad Yoga, the yoga of sound, inviting deeper listening, grounding, and integration in the resonance of vibration. We close with shared nourishment and time to connect, allowing the experience to settle as we nurture community and connection.
Inspired by Diwali’s celebration of light, renewal, and the triumph of wisdom over ignorance, this gathering is an invitation to tend the inner flame—and let its radiance ripple outward into our relationships, our community, and the world.
Whether you come to chant, dance, listen, or simply be, you are welcome in this shared space of devotion and discovery. No prior experience with kirtan, chanting, or ecstatic dance is needed.
Come as you are. Bring an open heart and a willing body.
Let the music move you. Let the mantra awaken you. Let your inner light shine.
Event Flow
- 6:30 pm
Opening Circle—Arriving in the Heart
The ceremony begins with intentional gathering, guided by Elana Stern, founder of Tantra Collective. Through grounding meditation and shared presence, we cross the threshold from the outer world into sacred space, turning inward to reconnect with the light within, open the heart, and set a collective intention for the evening.
Ecstatic Kirtan—Song of Devotion
Rubaba guides us through collective chant—a Bhakti offering that awakens the heart through sound and devotion. Through ecstatic kirtan, we invoke the Divine through sacred names and mantras, including Shiva, the Great Transformer, releasing what no longer serves and making space for renewal and light. Voices rise, intertwine, and soften into one another until individual expression becomes collective devotion—the “I” dissolving into the “We.”
Ecstatic Dance—Devotion in Motion
From voice, we move into the body. Guided by Rubaba’s genre-breaking live rhythms and supported by live instrumentation, a soul-awakening fusion of organic, global sound invites conscious, expressive dance. This is a space beyond words and judgment, where rhythm leads and the body remembers its freedom to move, play, and be present—a living celebration of Diwali’s light and love, expressed through movement.
Sound Hypnotics—Swara Samadhi
The journey resolves into the subtler layers of sound, guided by Rubaba with live accompaniment. Through Naad Yoga—the yoga of sound and vibration—we enter deep listening and resonance. Guided vocal tones explore Shruti, the microtonal textures of sound, each carrying a unique emotional and energetic signature. As breath and vibration align, sound becomes an alchemy for the soul—transforming inner tension into harmony and opening the way to effortless stillness, where sound, silence, and self merge into Anahata Naad, the unstruck sound.
Closing Circle & Collective Nourishment—Integration and Connection
We gently complete the ceremony in a closing circle led by Elana, honoring the shared field of devotion and presence. From this place of grounded stillness, we move into collective nourishment—sharing a lovingly prepared, Ayurvedic-inspired vegan and gluten-free kitchari dinner. This time of intentional connection supports integration, digestion, and community—allowing the resonance of the experience to settle fully into the body and heart.
How to Prepare
To support your experience and honor the container:
Wear comfortable clothing for free movement.
Dress brightly in white, yellow, orange, or gold colors to celebrate Diwali.
Bring water bottle & water to stay hydrated and anything that supports your presence.
Bring a cushion, backjack, or something comfy for floor seating.
Bring a yoga mat or blanket to lie on the ground.
A shawl or warm layer is recommended for quieter moments.
A percussive instrument is encouraged for the collective pulse.
Arrive fresh, clean, and free of strong scents and odors.
Invite a friend to share this community connection.
Tune in with an open heart and a listening body.
Lineup
Rubaba
Rubaba (also known as Hemant Kapoor) is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, film producer, and audio engineer whose life’s work bridges music, spirituality, and healing. For over three decades, he has dedicated himself to exploring sound as a sacred practice—drawing from Indian and Western classical traditions, global devotional forms, and his deep study of Gurbani and Naad Yoga. His artistic identity emerged on a spiritual path that began ten years ago, when a profound connection to the ancient rubab—an instrument historically associated with the companion of Guru Nanak—inspired both his name and his purpose. The name “Rubaba,” meaning “the Baba who plays the Rubab,” reflects his commitment to honoring tradition while opening it to contemporary, heart-led expression. Rubaba’s music transcends genre: a resonant fusion of Indian classical, African, Sufi, Moroccan, Celtic, and Flamenco influences interwoven with ambient and electronic textures. His performances are designed not merely to entertain, but to catalyze transformation—inviting listeners into states of Swara Samadhi, a form he developed that uses elongated, spacious raagas and vibration to facilitate deep emotional release and inner stillness. At the heart of his work is Naad Yoga, the yogic science of sound, which Rubaba integrates into both his musical practice and his teachings. Through expansive soundscapes and sacred kirtan, he invites participants to move beyond the surface of listening into embodied presence—where silence becomes a guide and each note becomes a step toward self-realization. Rubaba’s offerings—whether live sound journeys, workshops, or devotional chants—are described by attendees as emotional cleansing, soulful awakening, and pathways home to the self. His mission is clear: to heal the world one note at a time.
Elana Stern
Elana Stern is a devoted guide in Tantra Yoga, walking the path of love and supporting individuals, couples, and groups in cultivating sacred connection, embodied presence, and lasting transformation. She was drawn to meditation as a teenager, studied Eastern Philosophy and Religion academically, trained with celebrity fitness icons in NYC, and earned Yoga Teacher certifications in both Vinyasa Yoga (Cindy Lee lineage) and Restorative Yoga. Her foundation is further enriched by training in Tibetan Buddhist, Transcendental, Vipassana, Mindfulness, and Sonic Meditation modalities, as well as Pranayama breathwork and Reiki techniques. Her journey expanded through advanced certification with Yoga Chitta—a Black-owned yoga school serving the BIPOC community-where she mentors yoga teacher trainees. After a life-altering kundalini awakening opened the portal to deeper energetic and tantric realms, she became a certified facilitator of Tao Tantra Arts (Mantak Chia and Osho lineages) and a graduate of the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). With a vision for evolving consciousness in Philadelphia, Elana founded the Tantra Collective—producing curated offerings for embodied spiritual connection—and ONE LOVE HUB, the city's co-created community for conscious events. With decades of practice in movement, meditation, and energy healing, Elana's teaching bridges the physical and the spiritual. She invites you into a deeper relationship with your body, your breath, your heart, and each other—where love becomes the path home to your divine nature.
Sacred Agreements
Ecstatic Dance is a free-form, nonverbal movement journey—a sober, barefoot, judgment-free space to move, feel, connect, and come home to the body. Dance however your body wants to move, with freedom to explore and express without choreography or expectation. Together, we create a space grounded in safety, presence, and collective respect.
We welcome you to this celebration with these sacred agreements:
🍃 Come without agenda
Release expectations and allow the experience to unfold naturally. Arrive open to presence rather than outcome.
🕺🏻 Move your own dance
There is no right way to move. Honor your body, trust your rhythm, and allow your dance to unfold naturally.
🤫 Let the body speak
Please refrain from talking in the dance space. Let the music, movement, and presence carry the conversation.
💧 Substance-free container
We gather in clarity. Alcohol, recreational substances, and plant medicines are not part of this experience.
👣 Barefoot encouraged
Feel the Earth beneath your feet whenever possible. Supportive footwear is welcome if needed.
📵 Phones and cameras away
No cameras, photos, or recording. This is a sacred present-time space where everyone is invited to be fully seen—and fully free.
🙏 Consent always
This is a consent-based container. If you wish to dance with someone, offer with presence—a gesture, eye contact, a smile. If they choose not to engage, honor the “no” with grace. A simple bow with hands at heart is a beautiful way to decline or close a dance.
💗 Respect every body
Move with awareness, care, and sensitivity for everyone sharing the mandala. If connection isn't reciprocated, gracefully move on, honoring each person's space as we co-create a field of safety, presence, and belonging.
🌬️ Non-interference
Allow others their own experience without guidance, correction, interpretation, or interruption.
🧘🏽♂️ Self-responsibility
Honor your body, pace yourself, and take space when needed. Stay rooted in your own experience while remaining mindful of the collective.
🤫 Confidentiality & Personal Experience
What is shared within the retreat is held in confidence. Speak from your own experience using “I” statements, and refrain from sharing, interpreting, or speaking on behalf of another person’s experience. What is yours to share is yours; what belongs to another remains theirs
🤝 Foster a culture of accountability
If concerns arise, communicate directly and compassionately with those involved whenever appropriate. Rather than gossip, speculation, or rallying others against someone, we encourage honest dialogue, curiosity, and, when needed, facilitated repair.
🛠️ Accountability & repair
When appropriate, facilitated repair may be offered after the event to help address conflict or unintended boundary crossings and restore safety, trust, and integrity within the community.
🛡️ Zero tolerance for harmful behavior
Harassment, discrimination, aggression, non-consensual touch, sexual misconduct, or other harmful behavior will result in immediate removal without refund.
🕊️ Uphold the container
These agreements help create the sanctuary we share together. Anyone unable or unwilling to honor them may be asked to step out of the container or leave the event without refund. Thank you for upholding the integrity of the dance. journey
FAQs
- Do I need any prior experience with Tantra, kirtan, or dance?
Not at all. This celebration is open to all and is about devotion, connection, and authentic movement. No experience is needed—just an open heart and a willingness to honor the container.
- What type of people participate?
All are welcome here. This is an inclusive, heart-centered space for humans of all backgrounds, orientations, and spiritual paths—whether you come solo, with a partner, as a parent, or as someone walking their own sacred path.
- Is there an age restriction?
This experience is generally best suited for ages 12 and up due to its immersive, devotional format—including extended periods of sound, dance, and stillness.
We trust parents and guardians to use their discretion based on their child’s maturity, sensitivity to sound, and capacity to engage respectfully in a contemplative, community-centered environment.
Please note: children ages 12 and over require a ticket to attend.
- What do I bring?
A cushion, backjack, or something comfy for floor seating
A yoga mat or blanket to lie on the ground
A water bottle & water to stay hydrated and anything that supports your presence
A percussive instrument is encouraged for the collective pulse
Invite a friend to share this community connection
- How should I dress?
Wear comfortable clothing in which you can move freely.
Dress brightly in white, yellow, orange, or gold colors to celebrate Diwali.
A shawl or warm layer is recommended for quieter moments.
Prepare to be barefoot or in socks.
Please arrive fresh, clean, and free of strong scents.
Upon arrival, please wash hands as a gesture of respect and care for the shared field.
- Is the start time important?
Yes. Doors open at 6pm, with our opening circle beginning at 6:30pm. Early arrival is encouraged to receive the full experience. The space will remain open for entry until 7:30pm; however, no entry will be permitted during Swara Samadhi.
- What is the shared meal offering?
Our shared meal offered is an Ayurvedic-inspired vegan, gluten-free traditional Indian meal of kitchari, homemade with loving devotion. Kitchari is a foundational dish in Ayurvedic medicine, often described as a nourishing "one-pot meal" or "hug in a bowl". It’s a wholesome, porridge-like mixture of basmati rice, mung or lentil beans, and spices, historically used for thousands of years in India for cleansing, detoxification, and digestive healing.
- Are intoxicants or altering medicines permitted?
No. This is a sober event, and no intoxicating substances nor plant medicines are allowed. The invitation is to tap into your unclouded intuition and connect with divine guidance.
- Will there be partner practices or intimacy in this experience?
No. While Tantra honors all aspects of the human experience, this is a devotional gathering centered on meditation, music, sacred song, and dance. The energy is heartful, expressive, and reverent.
- Is there parking and transit available?
Street parking is limited, so please allow extra time and observe all posted signs. A paid parking lot is adjacent to the building, with entrances on Hamilton and Buttonwood Streets.
For convenience, consider taking SEPTA, using a rideshare, or biking. If driving, please avoid leaving valuables visible in your vehicle, whether parked on the street or in the lot.
- Where do I enter the studio?
& Space is located at 1021 Hamilton Street, 3nd Floor, up two sets of stairs.
- Why is this kirtan a ticketed event?
While some kirtans are offered freely within temples, funded religious organizations, and private homes, many contemporary devotional gatherings—especially those featuring touring artists—are community-supported through ticketing. Tantra Collective is an independent collective, not a funded institution. Ticket sales allow us to host this offering with care, as with all our offerings, cover the real costs of producing the event, and create a deeply held ceremonial space. For us, this is right exchange in service of devotion, not commercialization.
- Why do I need to provide my contact information when registering and purchasing tickets?
For important contact reasons and for the safety of all, we need your true name, email address, and phone number when registering and purchasing tickets whether online or at the door. We do not allow any anonymous participants, and any tickets purchased under a false name or contact information may be canceled.
- Can I buy a ticket at the door with cash?
Advance registration is strongly recommended, as our events often sell out, and pre-registration allows us to prepare the space and nourishment with care and welcome you in with ease.
Once capacity is reached, a waitlist will be offered. If tickets remain available, you’re welcome to register at the door by completing your purchase online using your mobile device.
Please note that all ticket sales are completed online to ensure waiver and guidelines agreements are properly acknowledged.
- Are community-supported tickets available?
Take advantage of early-bird pricing for the best deal, and be sure to purchase tickets in advance as prices increase the week of the event. A number of reduced-rate community-supported tickets are available by request for those who feel called to attend and for whom the standard ticket price is a barrier. To request one, please contact the host.
- What is the COVID protocol?
We ask that you take mindful health and cleanliness precautions. Please arrive in good bodily and clothing hygiene, wash your hands upon entry, and refrain from attending if you’re feeling unwell. Your care supports the safety and comfort of our shared space.
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