Event description
Akhanda Kirtan ~ Sound Journeys ~ Cacao/Chai Tent ~ Dances of Universal Peace ~ Forest Drumming Circle ~ Kids Zone ~ Shared Meals ~ Lots. Of. Kirtan.
Absorb the stunning environment of old growth forest and fields. An inclusive, family friendly mini-festival in the beautiful setting of Strathean Retreat in Otaki and easily accessible to Wellington, from Monday 5th - Thursday 8th January 2026.
Not too big, but big enough to call a festival! Perfect for families and those of us who love being part of a community.
Accommodation is either camping (tents or campervans, all non-powered sites) or private or shared rooms/cabins. Under 5's free.
FOOD:
This is a vegetarian only site. No individual gas burners are allowed,
All breakfasts are self catered either in the venue kitchen, or if camping, in the outdoors camp kitchen.
There will be food trucks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Every festival ticket includes 2 x lunch meals, one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. On Tuesday we are offering a delicious Hare Krishna Kai buffet, available from 12-2pm. On Wednesday we will offer a community lunch.
There will also be options for people to self cater either in the camp kitchen, or in the venue kitchen.
There are a limited number of Day Passes available (with their own off site accommodation).
AND....
Your kids will have as much fun as you in our kids zone, which also means parents can relax and enjoy the experience. (Under 5's must be under parental/care giver supervision).
We have 2 amazing sound journey practitioners joining us, Kellie of Starsong Ceremonies on Tuesday evening and Jason Hotton on Wednesday afternoon. Both these practitioners draw from a deep well of spiritual connection and will create spaces of relaxation, restoration and bliss.
Many brilliant, beautiful kirtanists from around Aotearoa will be coming together for this sacred practice of kirtan. Bhakti Yoga! Yoga of the Heart. From various traditions and histories, all love to share the joy of singing together. See our schedule for more information on kirtanists and when they are playing.
Our Akhanda kirtan will feature many of our amazing kirtan friends from around NZ. This is a 7 hour continuous kirtan with no breaks. We ask that a respectful silence is observed throughout in the marquee. We are offering a buffet during lunch time in the main house for sustenance, and ask that once you have eaten, you return to the Akhanda. This will be a very powerful and beautiful experience for all.
Come and join us and experience 3-4 days of heart opening kirtan, community and connection.
This a a drug and alcohol free event. No dogs allowed.
Check out is 4pm (or 2pm if staying on til Thursday).
Oh and did we mention Kirtan?!
SCHEDULE:
Monday
Arrive from 3pm
Food Trucks 5pm-7pm
Opening Havan (fire ceremony with mantra) and Kirtan 7pm-9pm
Featuring: The Kapiti Kirtan Collective and Special Guests: WOM Spirit of Kirtan, Kailash and Pragyadhara.
Tuesday
Morning meditation practice with Shikhaa 7am - 7.45am
Dances of Universal Peace Forest session with Wendy Myima 9am-10.30am
Kids Zone 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm
Akhanda Kirtan - 11am -6pm
Featuring: The Kapiti Kirtan Collective and Special Guests: WOM Spirit of Kirtan, Premratna, Radha, Atmavidya, Kailash and Pragyadhara.
Food Trucks 4.30pm-7pm
Sound Journey with Kellie from Starsong Ceremonies 7.30pm
Wednesday
Morning movement practice with Mayank 7am - 7.45am
Forest Drumming Circle with Andre and Jason Hotton 9am-10am
Kids Zone 10am - 12pm
Community Kirtan 11am -1pm
This is an opportunity for other members of the Kirtan community in Aotearoa to share a kirtan with us.
Community Lunch 1pm -2pm
Sound Journey 2 - 3pm
Kirtan Jam Circle in the Cacao tent 3.30 - 5pm
Market Day 10 - 4pm
Healing Sanctuary 10 - 4pm
Food Trucks 4.30 - 7pm
Ecstatic Dance with DJ Arkaya Rising 7 - 8.30pm
Thursday
Community offerings! 8am - 12.30pm
Food truck 11 - 1pm
Close 2pm
Program maybe subject to change, due to things out of our control, but we will always strive to make this as amazing as possible.
All enquiries to:
Adhyatma: 021 0548756
Anna: 021 02430430
Check out our FB Kirtan Fest Aotearoa for updates and information!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577753716161
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There is a pay it forward option to help support people in hardship. Please consider donating any amount towards this as we have people in need who wish to join the festival but otherwise cannot.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
