Kirtan Fest Aotearoa 2026

Akhanda Kirtan ~ Sound Journeys ~ Cacao/Chai Tent ~ Dances of Universal Peace ~ Forest Drumming Circle ~ Kids Zone ~ Shared Meals ~ Lots. Of. Kirtan.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of old growth forest and open fields at Strathean Retreat, Ōtaki. Kirtan Fest Aotearoa is an inclusive, family‑friendly mini‑festival, easily accessible from Wellington.

Dates: Monday 5 – Thursday 8 January 2026
Not too big, not too small - just right for genuine community, connection and heart‑opening practice.

The Experience

Over 3-4 days we come together in Bhakti Yoga - the Yoga of the Heart - singing, listening, resting, dancing, sharing meals and living in community.

You can expect:

Continuous and community kirtan with kirtanists from around Aotearoa
A powerful 7‑hour Akhanda Kirtan (continuous, no breaks)
Deeply restorative Sound Journeys
Dances of Universal Peace in the forest
Forest Drumming Circle
Ecstatic Dance
Kids Zone so tamariki are happy and parents can relax
Shared meals and plenty of space to simply be

Accommodation

Accommodation options include:

Camping (tents or campervans – all non‑powered sites)
Private or shared rooms/cabins

✨ Children under 5 attend free

A limited number of Day Passes are available (day attendance only, off‑site accommodation).

Food & Meals

This is a vegetarian‑only site.

No individual gas burners allowed
Breakfasts: Self‑catered (venue kitchen or camp kitchen)
Food trucks: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday evenings

Included with your festival ticket:

2 lunches (Tuesday & Wednesday)
- Tuesday: Hare Krishna Kai Buffet (12-2pm)
- Wednesday: Community Lunch

⚠️ Meal numbers must be confirmed by 1 January 2026. If you book after this date, a meal ticket may not be available.

Self‑catering is also possible using the camp kitchen (for campers) or venue kitchen.

Kids Zone

Your kids will have just as much fun as you - which means parents can fully relax and enjoy the festival.

Dedicated Kids Zone sessions daily
Under 5s must remain under parent/caregiver supervision

Sound Journeys

We are honoured to host two deeply experienced sound practitioners:

Kellie - Starsong Ceremonies (Tuesday evening)
Jason Hotton (Wednesday afternoon)

Both draw from a deep well of spiritual connection to create spaces of relaxation, restoration and bliss.

Kirtan

Many brilliant kirtanists from across Aotearoa will gather to share this sacred practice.

Different traditions, lineages and histories - one shared love of singing together.

Akhanda Kirtan

A 7‑hour continuous kirtan held in respectful silence within the marquee.

Buffet lunch provided in the main house during Akhanda
We ask that after eating, you return to the Akhanda space

This is a profoundly powerful and devotional offering.

Schedule (Subject to Change)

Monday

Arrival from 3pm
Food Trucks 5–7pm
Opening Havan (Fire Ceremony) & Kirtan 7–9pm

Tuesday

Morning Meditation with Shikhaa 7–7:45am
Hanuman Chalisa & Kirtan with Gyanmudra 7:45–8:10am
Dances of Universal Peace (Forest) with Wendy Myima 9–10:30am
Kids Zone 10am–12pm & 2–4pm
Akhanda Kirtan 11am–6pm
Featuring: Kapiti Kirtan Collective with WOM Spirit of Kirtan, Premratna, Atmavidya, Kailash, Gyanmudra, Siva & Pragyadhara
Food Trucks 4:30–7pm
Sound Journey with Kellie (Starsong Ceremonies) 7:30pm

Wednesday

Morning Movement with Mayank 7–7:45am
Hanuman Chalisa & Kirtan with Gyanmudra 7:45–8:10am
Forest Drumming Circle with Andre & Jason Hotton 9–10am
Kids Zone 10am–12pm
Community Kirtan 10am–12.30pm
Community Lunch 1–2pm
Sound Journey with Jason Hotton 2–3pm
Kirtan Jam Circle (Cacao Tent) 3:30–5pm
Market Day 10am–4pm
Healing Sanctuary 10am–4pm
Food Trucks 4:30–7pm
Ecstatic Dance with DJ Arkaya Rising 7–8:30pm

Thursday

Community Offerings 8am–12:30pm
Food Truck 11am–1pm
Festival Close & Check‑out: 2pm

(Check‑out is 4pm for most accommodation, or 2pm if staying through Thursday only.)

Important Notes

Drug & alcohol free event. Please consider being device free as well.
No dogs allowed
Program may change due to circumstances beyond our control — we will always do our best to honour the spirit of the festival

Pay It Forward

We offer a Pay It Forward option to help support people experiencing financial hardship. If you’re able, please consider donating any amount to help others attend.

Contact & Updates

kirtanfest.aotearoa@gmail.com
Adhyatma: 021 054 8756
Anna: 021 024 30430

Follow Kirtan Fest Aotearoa on Facebook for updates and information.

Oh… and did we mention KIRTAN?

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.

Contact the host of Kirtan Fest Aotearoa

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