Shakti Fest

Shakti Fest returns! The 3 day annual festival set in the Californian desert in Joshua Tree Retreat Center takes place every spring in the States – bringing together the best Kirtan musicians and artists, yoga teachers and spiritual leaders. Shakti Fest is an event which attracts Kirtan music devotees and lovers from around the state of California, the US and a far. Indeed it pools followers together to celebrate their spiritual journey through live music, dancing and yoga practice.

Music News had the pleasure of being welcomed to this ever increasingly popular festival and to witness the true essence of the event based around the ritual of waking up through song, service, prayer, meditation and play. Set in the tranquil desert grounds of Joshua Tree California and baked in blazing sun, the festival included a main stage for the kirtan musicians and accompanying bands to treat the fans to a cocktail of sacred music over the 3 days. Starting early in the morning and lasting long into the night each act and musician brought something diverse to the party.

Some of the performances on the main stage included a headline performance from Jai Uttal who has been a leader within the kirtan realm for many years, a stunning debut solo performance from Johanna Beekman and a powerful uplifting number from Larisa Stow accompanied with spiritual teacher Mirabai Devi. Travelling across the pond from France Emanuelle Martin gave the crowd something to cheer about with her soul lifting debut set.

However it was not only the main stage crowd who were treated to music. Each yoga session had the added benefit of accompanying musicians and instruments, thus taking each practice to a higher level of vibration though guitars, gongs to name but a few. Some highlights included Kia Miller’s yoga session with Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda – working up the crowd into a dancing frenzy alongside the yoga practice. Indeed Lakshmi and Ananda also played out an uplifting spiritual dance on day 2 under the yoga tent much to the delight of the crowd. Yoga teacher Mas Vidal who teaches kundalini yoga also gave his vocals a workout during his meditation piece. With so many artists showcasing their talents, the festival goers were spoilt for choice.

Skati Fest is a must attend event for any yoga fan with a following in kirtan music. Some may argue it is a warm up and a smaller version of the Bhakti Fest which takes place in the same location later in the year in September. But the event continues to be a firm place in the diaries of kirtan and yoga spiritual devotees. Overall the festival was directly on point with great music, a tight and diverse schedule of yoga sessions, music acts and workshops. Not to mention the fabulous food and vendors to support the festival also.

Thank you Bhakti Fest Family.