Shakti Fest 2018: Yoga and Sacred Music Festival Mother’s Day Weekend May 10 – 14 Joshua Tree, CA
By Bonnie Burkert
Shakti Fest returns for its eighth season, this year on Mother’s Day weekend – May 10 – 14 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, in Joshua Tree, CA. Organized by Bhakti Fest, a leader in conscious festival events, Shakti Fest is a unique springtime celebration of the divine feminine spirit, described in Eastern philosophy as the ‘dynamic force which moves the universe’. The festival features world famous yoga teachers, Kirtan music stars, wisdom workshops, sound baths, and a healing sanctuary.
“When we started Shakti Fest as our spring celebration eight years ago, we had no idea it would become such a beloved event,” noted Sridhar Silberfein, founder of Bhakti Fest. “It’s perfect divine timing that we are able to honor the spirit of the universal feminine to align with Mother’s Day each year.”
The Shakti Fest 2018 music lineup inspires attendees to sing, dance and open their hearts. This year’s line up once again includes the best Kirtan (a.k.a. chanting) artists on the conscious music scene; Jai Uttal, Donna De Lory, Larissa Stowe, Govind Das & Radha, MC Yogi, Girish, Jaya Lakshmi, Prajna Vieira & the Mukti Kirtan Ensemble, Gina Sala, Vaiyasaki Das, David Newman, Fannah Fi Allah, and many more. The centuries-old practice of devotional chanting is considered to connect humans with themselves, the universe, and spirit. The entire Kirtan line-up is available at http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/kirtan/.
World-class yoga teachers are the heart of Shakti Fest, and spring in Joshua Tree is a beautiful time to practice indoors and out. With three yoga halls offering 45 classes over 3 days, there really is something for everyone! 2018 Shakti Fest teachers include; Shiva Rea, Mark Whitwell, Mas Vidal, Kia Miller, Georgina Meister, Cheryl Slader, Leeza Villagomez, Carmen Curtis, Hemalayaa Behl, Oleg Flow, Jennica Mills, Allison Prince and Katie Allen, Lisa Gniady, and local desert favorite Kristin Olson. Anyone can find their inner Shakti through energy invoking sessions in a wide variety of yoga styles. View the full yoga lineup at http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/yoga/. Those looking for an even deeper experience can join noted yoga leaders Saul David Raye and Shiva Rea who will lead very special pre and post event intensives on May 10 and 14.
Shakti Fest 2018 Workshops will cover a plethora of wellness and conscious topics including Ayurveda, spiritual nutrition, tantric energy, Vedic astrology, breathwork, Sanskrit, conscious relationships, women’s sexuality, bhakti art, and hoop dance, with internationally known speakers such as Michael Brian Baker, Mirabai Devi, Renee Baribeau, Dawn Cartwright, Zoë Kors, Jeffrey Armstrong and Dharma Devi. For further workshop detail see http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/workshops/.
The Shakti Fest “Sound Healing Experience” is not to be missed. Attendees can immerse themselves in the powerful healing energy of sound baths with noted practitioners of this popular sonic meditation including Eric Sedorovitz, Gabriel Logan Braun, Lynda Arnold, Shane Thunder, David West & Enrique Pedrosa, Michelle Berc, and more. For more information on the sound healing offerings please see http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/sounddome.
There is no place like the high desert to fully immerse yourself in a powerful conscious experience. The historic Joshua Tree Desert Retreat Center is the oldest and largest retreat center in the Western U.S., located on a sacred site replete with a walking labyrinth. This setting allows for peaceful inner reflection and uplifting spiritual renewal. Accommodation options include, retreat center spaces, glamping, camping, and RV parking, all on site. There are also ten hotels within a few miles of the retreat center. The Shakti Fest Eco Artisan Village offers vegetarian and vegan food vendors, yoga clothing and gear, jewelry, art and unique collectibles. The organizers pride themselves on running a green event, offering free water and mindful recycling practices. For travel information please see http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/travel-info/ and http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/lodging/.
Early bird festival passes and intensive tickets are now available for Shakti Fest 2018, with discounts offered to local residents, veterans, military, seniors and students. Tickets are available at https://tickets.brightstarevents.com/event/shakti-fest-2018.
