Holi Kirtan Ecstatic Dance with Rubaba
Description
Holi Kirtan Ecstatic Dance with Rubaba
Philadelphia Premiere
A Journey from Shadow to Radiance
As the long winter begins to loosen its grip and the first signs of spring stir beneath the surface, we gather to awaken warmth, color, and devotion from within. Rooted in Bhakti Yoga—the path of love and devotion—this Holi gathering is an embodied return to the heart, where sound becomes prayer and love becomes the bridge back to ourselves and one another.
Inspired by Holi—the ancient festival celebrating renewal, transformation, and the triumph of light—this intimate journey invites us to move from stillness into expression, from dormancy into bloom, remembering love as a living force that dissolves separation.
Tantra Collective is honored to host Rubaba for his Philadelphia premiere, offering a rare opportunity to experience this internationally recognized, genre-breaking artist in a small, immersive setting.
A beloved Interfusion Festival favorite, Rubaba is known for his soul-healing, rockin’ ecstatic kirtan—weaving Indian classical roots, global devotional music, and Naad Yoga into live, responsive sound journeys that blur the line between artist and participant. In this close-knit container, his work becomes deeply personal, guiding the collective into embodied devotion, emotional alchemy, and shared resonance.
This intimate Philadelphia premiere is intentionally limited to preserve depth, connection, and care.
This is not a performance; it is a living ceremony—
where rhythm opens the heart, movement liberates the body,
and love is remembered not as an idea, but as a felt experience—
both the source and the return.
What to Expect
Opening Circle—Arriving in the Heart
The ceremony begins in intentional gathering, guided by Elana Stern, founder of Tantra Collective. Through grounding meditation and shared presence, we arrive together—crossing the threshold from the outer world into sacred space, opening the heart, and setting collective intention for the journey ahead.
Ecstatic Kirtan—Song of Devotion
Led by Rubaba, with devotional accompaniment by Mahan Rishi Singh Khalsa on bansuri flute and tabla, the journey opens through collective chant—a Bhakti offering that awakens the heart through sound. Through ecstatic kirtan, we invoke Shiva—the Great Transformer—consciously dissolving what no longer serves and clearing space for renewal. Voices rise, overlap, and soften into one another until devotion becomes communal—the “I” melting 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 how to move in freedom, play, and presence—celebrating Holi as a living expression of joy and love in motion.
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 ceremonial journey 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 by Butterfly Heart, alongside authentic Indian offerings from Tiffin.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
Wear comfortable clothing for free movement
Dress colorfully to celebrate Holi
Bring water bottle and anything that supports your presence
Bring a cushion or backjack to sit comfortably on the ground
A percussive instrument is encouraged for the collective pulse
A shawl or warm layer is recommended for quieter moments
Arrive fresh, clean, and free of strong scents and odors
Tune in with an open heart and a listening body
No prior experience with kirtan, chanting, or ecstatic dance is needed.
All voices, bodies, and expressions are welcome.
Come to thaw.
Come to move.
Come to remember love—
not as an idea, but as a felt, embodied truth we return to together.
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. Learn more about Rubaba: https://rubaba.substack.com/p/affiliations Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HR00uPp71MgVE5EESBxmv?si=PvUtbHf_QEis9jc_YqfFXg Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rubaba7999/featured
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.
Mahan Rishi Singh Khalsa
Mahan Rishi Singh Khalsa is a lifelong student and teacher of yoga, meditation, and sacred sound, devoted to sharing authentic devotional practices that awaken the heart and vital spirit. He began his studies in yoga and meditation in 1973–74, and in 1975 entered Guru Ram Das Ashram as both a student and teacher of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. He has since taught nationally and internationally, guiding students toward Self-realization, inner peace, and liberation through Universal love and embodied awareness. A dedicated musician, Mahan Rishi began studying percussion at age eight and took up tabla at age twenty. He continues his studies under Shri Prashant Mishra in Varanasi, India. He is also an accomplished bansuri flute player, having studied with the Venerable Amira Dvorah and Professor Rajershi Kasudhan of Rajasthan, and continues to deepen his musical training in India. His music reflects a profound sensitivity to the subtle currents of devotional sound and the transformative power of Naad. In 1989, he co-founded Khalsa Healing Arts and Yoga Center in Yardley, Pennsylvania, creating a sanctuary for healing, practice, and spiritual growth. He has led retreats and sacred pilgrimages throughout India, Nepal, and Tibet for over 25 years, helping students directly experience the deeper dimensions of yoga, meditation, and subtle energy. Dr. Khalsa is also a Doctor of Chiropractic, graduating from New York Chiropractic College in 1988, and is trained in herbal nutrition, Polarity Therapy, Reiki, subtle body healing, crystal therapy, and aromatherapy. Through his integrative healing work, he supports individuals in releasing energetic and emotional blocks, restoring vitality, and reconnecting to their innate wholeness. His life’s vision is to guide others toward the direct experience of vital energy, great joy, and liberating peace.
FAQs
- Do I need any prior experience with Tantra, Kirtan, or dance?
Not at all. This journey 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 10 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 10 and over require a ticket to attend.
- What do I bring?
A cushion, backjack, or something comfy for floor seating
A water bottle
A percussive instrument is encouraged for the collective pulse
A shawl, blanket, or warm layer is recommended for quieter moments
- How should I dress?
Wear comfortable clothing in which you can move freely
Dress in bright colors to celebrate Holi
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 3:30pm, with our opening circle beginning at 4pm. Early arrival is encouraged to receive the full experience. The space will remain open for entry until 5:45pm; 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 by Brian Stark of Butterfly Heart. 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. Accompanying this dish is an authentic Indian vegan curry from our much loved Tiffin.
- Are intoxicants or altering medicines permitted?
No. This is a sober event, and no intoxicating substances are allowed. The invitation is to tap into your unclouded intuition and connect with divine guidance.
- Will there be nudity 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 available?
There is ample unrestricted street parking in the neighborhood. Consider ride share, SEPTA, or bicycle if you're inclined.
- Where do I enter the building?
Please enter through the courtyard door on Greene Street (past the lawn under the archway). Use the door code for entry provided in the confirmation email. Then, follow the signs up the stairs and down the hall to the Parlor Room (on the right, just past the restroom and water fountain).
- 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.
- Will there be tickets available at the door?
Our events often sell out. We highly recommend registering in advance. While we'd love everyone to attend who's called, our primary consideration is to ensure a safely held container and positive experience for participants. If the event reaches capacity, a waitlist will be available.
- 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 small number of reduced-rate community-supported tickets ($40) 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 email hello.tantracollective@gmail.com. Availability is limited.
- What is the COVID protocol?
While masks are not required, 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.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
