Bhakti Rising-A Yoga, Meditation, Sacred Sound and Music Immersion
About Bhakti Rising
Bhakti Rising is a three-day immersive gathering that beautifully balances the stillness of a retreat with the vibrant aliveness of a micro-festival, nestled in the picturesque valleys of Oregon and rooted in the path of the heart
For embodied yoga & meditation practitioners and beginners alike, wellness, healing & heart-centered seekers, mantra, kirtan & conscious music enthusiasts who are
Ready to rise together!
Over three unforgettable days, you'll be guided by inspiring yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and healing facilitators, sing, move, dance, and celebrate alongside extraordinary heart-centered artists and musicians from across the West Coast, and meditate, chat & spend time in the presence of a monk traveling from India.
Bhakti Rising is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and remember what truly matters. It is a space where deep stillness and joyful expression coexist—where sacred music, movement, nature, community, and heartfelt practice come together in harmony.
Whether you're chanting around the fire, resting in meditation, dancing with abandon, or sharing meaningful conversations under the stars, you'll experience the rare feeling of coming home—to yourself, to community, and to the path your heart has been quietly longing for.
Come as you are. Leave nourished, inspired, and connected with a community that may just become your soul family.
A Homecoming!!
The moment you step out of your car and breathe in the land, you'll feel it. Belonging.
Music filling the air. A beautiful barn framed by gorgeous views. Some singing & dancing together, some meditating, warmth in every smile, joy in every heart.
Maybe you've lived these practices for years, and your life already reflects what's possible when love leads the way, devotion lighting your path.
Or maybe you're just beginning to feel the pull toward something deeper — a quiet knowing that there's more to discover.
Either way, deep down, you know there's more.
More depth.
More connection.
More freedom.
More bliss.
A space of love and belonging, collective practice, singing & movement
Why Bhakti Rising!
You’re ready to expand, and step into the fullness of your voice, your body, and experience the radiant love that comes from being fully embodied Devotion without limits!!!
And you were never meant to do it alone.
Bhakti Rising is the space where you’re seen, accepted and expanded. Not just as a practitioner, but as a soul remembering its essence, TOGETHER.
This is where you come to explore inwards, to expand through embodiment, to experience ecstasy and stillness coexisting, in a way that centers you in love.
This is an intentionally curated space where one day flows into the other..
This is a place where stillness and ecstasy coexist. Where voice and expression becomes a celebration of life itself. We feel the power of our collective singing.
Where the depth of ancient wisdom traditions are honored, culture is celebrated while remaining alive and relevant in our modern world.
Where we sing together.
We move together. We dance.. We celebrate.
We rest and receive. .
We remember that when we gather in love, something beautiful happens.
What awaits you!
You will be met with An amazing group of facilitators, kirtan artists and world musicians from the entire west coast!
A 25+ years monk from Indian Himalayas (Whhhhaatttt)!!
This is one of a kind gathering you wouldnt want to miss!
Across the weekend, you will experience
Sacred music concerts & kirtan from artists gathered from west coast and beyond.
Live interactions and expriential life stories, QnA, kirtan from a monk travelling from Indian Himalayas
Nāda Yoga, Mantra & Voice Workshops
Yoga & embodiment practices that honor the roots and cultural origin
Meditation, Ayurveda
Drumming and jamming circles
Restorative sound baths
Rest & connection
Community meals & heartfelt conversations
Workshops rooted in authentic traditions
Facilitators, Space holders & Artists
Special guest-Swami Yatidharmananda, Monk, India
Swami Yatidharmananda is a monk from 25+ years, who resides in Sivananda Seva Samiti Ashram, in Uttarkashi, the Himalayas of India. He is the direct disciple and served as personal assistant to Swami Chidananda, the president of Divine Life Society of the Sivananda Saraswati lineage. Deeply rooted in the yogic path, and shaped by years of devoted service, Yatiswamiji brings the essence of ancient wisdom with a comtemporary, easy to follow, practical, down to earth approach. He has been a monk for the last 25+ years, has traveled extensively across US/Europe and conducts workshops on Relaxation, Yoga and Meditation, Sings Kirtans, plays Djambe and loves to share inspiring stories of his life transformative journey. He has offers programs for mental wellbeing and restorative practices through his effort of school of well being. He has been on a spiritual path since the age of 17, after meeting his teacher, chose the path of service as personal assistant to Swami Chidananda Saraswati, a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda Saraswati from the age of 24. In the past he was a computer programmer and worked for a tech company in Hong-Kong but gave up everything and chose the path of monkhood from a very early age. He currently resides in the Himalayas and serves as the General Secretary at the Swami Sivananda Samiti Ashram in Uttarkashi, India and offers his services for community empowerment alongwith developing . He has hosted talks at the parliament of world religion congress a few times in the US. Ashram where we resides and serves: https://sivanandsevasamiti.org/ Founder of School of Well Being: https://schoolofwellbeing.org Special Note: Mokshajyoti, the host and curator of Bhakti rising has been deeply inspired by his presence and guidance in her life since she met Swami Yatidharmananda. Mokshajyoti was given her spiritual name by him and she continues to be guided in her path by him. She is deeply grateful for his presence and the light he spreads to the world, which has been Moksha's inspiration behind inviting him. He is travelling from all across the globe! A part of the profits after covering costs of this event will go towards efforts of Swami Yatidharmanada through swami sivananda samiti ashram and school of well being. If anybody wants to donate towards his work, please reach out to me!
Mokshajyoti Chumki-Founder of Moss and Moksha, Host & Curator of Bhakti Rising, Artist & Facilitator, Hillsboro, Oregon
Mokshajyoti is a trauma informed sacred sound artist, mentor and curator of transformational experiences who weaves in somatic healing work with elements of her ancestral roots of Indian classical music, Nada yoga-Yoga of sound, devotional music, mantras, meditative healing sounds and rhythms with nature elements, rawness of human expression and embodiment practices. Growing up in India, she was exposed to yoga, meditations and devotional music since her formative years and currently is guided by her mentor Swami Yatidharmananda, who will be part of the festival. She is a certified reiki, sound healing and forest therapy practtioner, somatic coach and is training in Somatic Experiencing. She is also very much inspired by earth wisdom, vipassana and some of the buddhist practices. She has a Doctorate in Mechanical enginnering and left her tech career few years back after series of spiritual awakenings. As a trauma-informed practitioner, she views the voice as more than an instrument—it is a pathway to self-expression, creativity, healing, and spiritual connection. Her work honors both the wisdom of the body and the wisdom of feminine expression, creating spaces where people can soften out of constant doing, listen deeply, and reconnect with themselves. Based in Portland, Oregon, Mokshajyoti has shared her work across the United States and internationally in India, Hungary, and Austria. Whether through music, healing arts, mentorship, or community gatherings, her mission is to help people cultivate a life rooted in authenticity, presence, devotion, and belonging. Her Core Offerings: 1:1 Mentorship Work , Voice and Expression Embodiment 1:1 Healing sessions-Sound healing, Reiki, Somatics, Stress and Anxiety Relief and Nervous System Regulation Private Sound Bath and Community Group Sound Bath Community Kirtan, Nada Yoga and Indian Classical and meditative sound inspired concerts Retreats, Embodiment Workshops and events You can learn more about her work: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mossandmoksha/ Website: www.mossandmoksha.com Mailing list: https://mossandmoksha.myflodesk.com/hg84tmmgcw Book a Discovery Call: https://mossandmoksha.as.me/?appointmentType=87127804
Shantala Music-Devotional Artists, Portland, OR
Benjy and Heather Wertheimer have been leading kirtan (sacred chanting) worldwide since 2001 as the duo Shantala. They are known for their special gift of bringing the audience into a vast and loving experience through their unique blend of exquisite voices with instruments of India and the West. Together they create music with beauty, passion, and reverence. Shantala has performed and recorded internationally with such sacred music luminaries as Krishna Das, Deva Premal & Miten, and Jai Uttal. Their music has been streamed worldwide hundreds of millions of times. Master musician Benjy Wertheimer is an award-winning songwriter, vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist (playing tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar, and keyboards). His extraordinary and unique musical gifts from East and West create a sense of wonder and awe in the listener. In addition to touring with Shantala, Benjy is a founding member of the sacred music ensemble The Hanumen. He has opened for such artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter, and Narada Michael Walden. A founding member of the internationally acclaimed Ancient Future world fusion music ensemble, Benjy also toured the U.S., Canada, and Japan with renowned bamboo flute master G.S. Sachdev. He studied Indian classical music for over 25 years with some of the greatest masters of that tradition, including Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain, Ali Akbar Khan and Z. M. Dagar. Heather Wertheimer is a kirtan artist, singer, songwriter, and guitarist who combines her special love of both music and yoga to lead devotional chanting internationally. With a rare ability to sing directly from the heart, she infuses sacred chanting with a powerful sense of peace and depth. Heather’s debut CD with Shantala, Church of Sky, was named by New Age Retailer as one of the top ten albums of the year. Heather brings the richness of her healing background as a therapist, meditation teacher, and yoga teacher into the practice of kirtan. Since 2017, Heather has been an authorized teacher of Neelakantha Meditation as taught in Blue Throat Yoga.
Kavita Kat Macmillan,devotional artist, Portland, OR
Kavita Kat Macmillan is an interdisciplinary vocalist, musician, and performer whose work bridges yoga, somatic practice, devotional singing, and creative awakening. Using devotional practice, mantra, sound yoga, and ritual, Kavita guides participants to discover authentic voice, embodied movement, and deep listening in relationship to themselves, their ancestors, and the natural world. Kavita’s guidance, through her in-depth mentorships, retreats, and workshops, helps catalyze people of all backgrounds and ages to shed inhibition, dissolve blocks, and access their unique, authentic voice, and seat of creativity within. Kavita facilitates at retreats, workshops, private & group classes & spiritual festivals and is an open, supportive guide for those who wish to explore this path. Her Art of Sound & Mantra Mentorship community is in it’s 4th year and continues to create a strong container for aspiring Kirtan artists as well as those interested in personal Sacred Sound practice to grow in skill and confidence and to heal their relationship to voice through connected experience. Kavita has shared the stage with artists such as Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, Gina Sala, Benjy & Heather Wertheimer, David Newman, Dave Stringer, Daniel Paul, Steve Gorn, and others. Kavita’s most recent album ‘The Beloved Lives Inside’ is available streaming worldwide and features Jai Uttal, Daniel Paul, Steve Gorn, Hans Christian, Will Marsh, Ram Dass Khalsa and other deep musicians. www.kavitakatmacmillan.com. Kavita also contributes to compilation albums and is featured on the Bhaktimala for Ram Dass with “Sweet Sri Hanuman Chalisa” and on the new Gods and Goddesses compilations for the Know Thyself as Soul organization “Guru Kripa Hanuman Chalisa.”
Rob and Melissa, Devotional Artists, Seattle, WA
Rob and Melissa are devotional musicians and Bhakti Yoga teachers known for their soulful, heart-opening kirtan. Blending ancient Sanskrit mantras with rich harmonies and accessible melodies, their music has been described as “joyful medicine” and “love and devotion materialized.” With roots in Seattle and a global following, they’ve shared their music across the U.S., India, Europe, and Central America—appearing at festivals like Bhakti Fest, Shakti Fest, and the Northwest Yoga Feast. Their discography includes Tejase, Breathe, five mantra singles produced by Ben Leinbach, and their latest mythic concept album The Story of Sita and Ram, produced by GIRISH. More than performers, Rob and Melissa are heartfelt guides into sacred sound, creating spaces where every voice is welcome, and devotion becomes a shared experience. Learn more at www.robandmelissa.com
Dr. Matt Van Auken, Ayurveda
Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH is a triple board-certified (family medicine, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine) Ayurvedic physician. He has been a student of Ayurveda, Sanskrit, and Vedanta began since 2009. Dr. Matt is the founder and medical director of The Buddha’s Medicine, an Ayurvedic, integrative, and lifestyle medical practice in Portland, Oregon. His work also includes the development of the Bodhi Marma system of marma therapeutics, and The Living Seasons Project: a year-round seasonal wellness program that promotes and guides preventive health using Āyurveda and lifestyle medicine. When he is not practicing and leading, Dr. Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, two kids, and two parrots.
Joss Jaffe, Multi-instrumentalist and Tabla Player, San Diego
Joss Jaffe is a vocalist, tabla player, multi-instrumentalist, composer and record producer. His critically acclaimed albums include Dub Mantra, Sun Mountain Sea, & Billboard Top-10 new age album Meditation Music. Joss’ music ranges from modern pop, reggae, and world to ambient, soothing and brainwave entraining music for spa, relaxation, yoga and meditation. He is a regular performer and workshop leader at premiere yoga conferences and transformational festivals including Lucidity, Beloved, Wanderlust & Korea Yoga Conference.
Neha Neelwarne
Founder and Yoga Teacher, Samsara Yoga, Techie and Mom!
Christopher Lionheart, Devotional artist, Olympia, WA
Devotional artist and heart songs
Kendra Wolf
Yoga instructor, Belly Dancer, Functional Nutritionist
Madhurai Sumhara, Devotional Artist, Bend
Madhurai Sumhara is a passionate kirtan singer, yoga and meditation teacher, Priestess of the Goddess, artist of many kinds, and a visionary. She primarily focuses on singing kirtan and hosting immersive retreats, sharing her love of Indian culture and music. Madhurai has spent the last 10 years traveling in India, hosting retreats, and volunteering with kids. Her faith is grounded in the immense power that she has received in the holy temples, mountains, and rivers of India. Her intention in sharing kirtan is to bring a taste of that bhav (divine mood) and shakti (creative power) across the seas to our community here in the USA. Madhurai will be sharing her voice as well as playing her beloved harmonium, which she brought home from India several years ago. Her partner William supports the music with drums and percussion, which always gets people dancing in devotion! www.honeyintheheart.online
Matthew Hara, Devotional Artist, Northern California
Matthew Hara is a yogi, builder, spiritual mentor, and devotional musician from the small mountain and coastal communities of Northern California. His music is a natural extension of more than 25 years devoted to the study, practice, and sharing of yoga, meditation, mantra, and the awakening of consciousness. In 2001, Matthew discovered Mantra Yoga, which became the foundation of his musical expression. His first journey to India at the age of 23 profoundly shaped his life, and for the following 17 years he returned annually to live with, learn from, and serve alongside monks, yogis, and spiritual teachers. For many years, his music remained a private expression of prayer and devotion. Today, he shares it publicly as an offering of communion, inviting people into a deeper experience of presence, Grace, and heartfelt connection through mantra, sacred song, and collective prayer. His first song releases have resonated with listeners around the world, and his debut album, produced by legendary artist and producer Shimshai, will be released soon.
Shriman, Yoga Practitioner, Bend
Shriman, a passionate yogi and dedicated teacher, has spent years honing his craft under the guidance of his teacher and Himalayan Yoga Master (Phd) Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu from Akhanda Yoga Wellbeing in India, embracing the transformative power of authentic yoga. Hailing from Brazil, Shriman brings with him a rich heritage of musical talent passed down through generations of his family. Immersed in the vibrant culture of India for several years, he has delved deep into the realms of yoga, honing his practice and teachings to integrate the profound wisdom of ancient traditions with contemporary understanding. Shriman is a sanctuary for well-being, where Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and Sound Healing come together to inspire transformation. Whether guiding students in ashrams in India, leading sessions at festivals, or offering soulful experiences in yoga studios worldwide, Shriman blends the depth of yogic wisdom and the power of music. Each offering is an invitation to reconnect, realign, and rediscover inner harmony.
Rajesh Munirathinam, Yoga Practitioner, Hillsboro
Rajesh is a yoga practitioner & techie in the lineage of Vethathiri Maharishi. He has been practicing Simplified Kundalini Yoga (SKY) for many years and is passionate about sharing its practical wisdom in a way that is accessible. Believing that yoga is for everyone, Rajesh is committed to making these practices approachable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles. His sessions offer a balanced, holistic approach that supports physical well-being, mental clarity, and inner peace.
Crissy
Yoga
Sushmita Poddar, Cultural Henna Artist Vendor
The rhythm of the weekend
The Rhythm of the Weekend
A gentle unfolding of sacred music, yoga, devotion, nature, wisdom teachings, community, and restoration.
This is a tentative schedule and may shift based on as day gets closer
Friday, September 25
Arrival • Invocation • Opening the Heart
12:00 – 2:00 pm — Arrival & Check-In
2:00-4:00pm-Opening ceremony
4:00 – 5:00 pm — Opening Nāda Yoga Practice & Sacred Sound Concert
5:00 – 6:30 pm — Bhaktishaala & Yogashaala Open Sessions — Workshops, Kirtan, Yoga & Community Offerings
6:30 – 7:30 pm — Community Dinner & Connection
7:00 – 10:30 pm — Evening Sacred Music Concerts & Restorative Sound Journeys
Saturday, September 26
Practice • Music • Community • Deepening
6:00 – 7:30 am — Morning Sadhana
7:00 – 8:00 am — Breakfast
9:00 am – 12:00 pm — Morning Workshops, Sessions & Immersive Practices
12:00 – 1:00 pm — Lunch
1:00 – 6:30 pm — Afternoon Workshops, Yoga, Sacred Music & Community Sessions
6:30 – 8:00 pm — Community Dinner & Connection
8:00 – 10:00 pm — Evening Concerts, Devotional Music & Restorative Experiences
Sunday, September 27
Integration • Gratitude • Closing
6:00 – 7:30 am — Morning Sadhana
7:30am-8:00am-Fruits and tea
8:00 – 11:00 am — Morning sessions
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — Brunch and closing
12:00-2:00pm-Closing ceremony & checkout
Please note that the schedule may gently evolve as the gathering unfolds, allowing space for presence, flow, and the organic rhythm of the retreat experience.
The venue
Lodging, food and other details
Overnight Stay
We have weekend day passes, camping and premium lodging spots. Overnight lodging spots are limited.
For the experience day pass gets you access to all activities and common areas, excluding meal and stay. You will be requested to leave the premises at 10:00pm. You return back next when the first session begins.
First 5 people who book the single suites receive a complimentary ayurvedic bodywork by The Buddha's Medicine.
We only have very limited spots onsite for overnight stay!! Book early for an immersive experience..Nourishing Community shared meals!! Meals will be vegeterian with gluten free and vegan options.
Common areas include all the grounds and shared spaces a gorgeous barn overlooking rolling hills and meadows, lower level of Bhaktishala (Upper Lodge) and Yogashala (Lower lodge). Both this spaces feathure wooden flooring, big glass doors and deck that overlooks the scenic views, areas for lounging, couches).
*Due to the intentionality of the gathering and to keep the experience contained, only full weekend passes are available.
Food
Meal passes are recommended with 3 day passes or overnight stays. Friday or Saturday Single day pass include the meals
You can bring your own food, snacks.
You will have a kitchen access during your stay, but due to shared nature, we cannot accomodate any elaborate cooking. Cooking in campsite to be limited to hard surface due to fire hazard. No cooking on ground or grass.
Bathroom
All overnight suites have their own bathrooms. Overnight Campers will have access to few bathrooms, two of which have showers, one in upper lodge and one lodge. Most of the camping will be in lower lodge area, bathrooms are inside the lodge.
Parking and camping fees
Parking is included with your ticket. Any kind of overnight stay whether sleeping in your car or van or tent will require a camping pass for each individual. Please dont bring RVs or oversixzed vehicles. Minivans or campervans, small trailers that fit in a regular size parking can be accomodated.
FAQs
- What is meant by Bhakti?
Bhakti is the sanskrit term which means the path of love, devotion and selfless service. Bhakti Yoga is one of the four major paths of Yoga alongside Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga.
- Is this beginner friendly?
Yes, Absolutely.
- Is this place accessible for mobility issues?
Yes, absoultely. Most of the programming will take place in three primary locations:
The Barn (next to the Upper Lodge)
The Shala inside the Upper Lodge
The Lower Lodge Shala
With outdoor spaces available for hanging out and relaxing.
Both the Upper Lodge and Lower Lodge have parking areas very close by unless you are parking in the overflow lot of lower lodge, and the lodge buildings themselves are on ground level with ramp access. If you’re planning to stay onsite, we also have an accessible ground-floor king room and two queen rooms available. Most of the other guest rooms require stairs (one floor) up or down.
Meal also will be served in the outdoor deck areas of the shalas. If you have any concerns, please dont hesitate to reach out.
- What is the parking situation and is a parking pass nedded?
Parking is included with your ticket purchase. There is plenty of parking available. Parking location will be based on first come first serve basis.
- What do I need to bring?
Water bottle to refill, comfortable clothing and layers as its end of September, Hat, sunglasses, Yoga mat and any sitting support, blanket or cushions that makes you feel cozy. Comfortable shoes and closed toed hiking shoes if going on unpaved trails or walks. Any medications that you need. A flashlight when it gets dark. Most areas are lit with tiny lamps but a flashlight will help. Bring a drum or an instrument if you would like to play, bring. a journal.
- Is this gathering substance and alcohol free?
This gathering is intended to be a substance and alcohol free space.
- Are kids allowed?
Yes, under parental supervision. Kids under 12 attend for free. Food tickets required for kids.
- Are there any BIPOC, Queer or low income scholarships?
If you would like to attend and cost is a barrier please reach out.
Intentionality
Bhakti Rising isn’t a commercial festival. It is an intentionally curated gathering created with love.
As a grassroots practitioner who was has lived around these practices since her formative years, and continues to learn and grow, Mokshajyoti has personally connected with every facilitator, teacher, and artist. Each relationship has been cultivated through shared practice, friendship, music, learning, and community. Every person has been chosen not only for the beauty of their offering, but for the authenticity, humility, and heart they bring.
Also this is Mokshajyoti’s humble effort to keep the authenticity of cultural roots where the practices originated.
This is more than a lineup of presenters—it’s a gathering of people who genuinely know, respect, and inspire one another.
One of the intentions behind Bhakti Rising was to create a space where everyone—from young adults to elders—can feel at home. A lot of times the long distances between venues and remote location, makes it inaccessible to many. We thoughtfully chose a venue where the main practice spaces are close together, and the major event spaces are accessible, making the weekend more accessible for older adults and those with mobility considerations, families, while still allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of nature, community, and the surrounding landscape.
We believe these practices are for everyone, and we wanted to create a gathering where people of all ages and abilities can comfortably participate, connect, and belong.
Come sing. Practice. Rest. Celebrate. Belong.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
