Shakti Fest Celebrates Divine Feminine Energy in Joshua Tree

Shakti Fest returns for its sixth year May 13-15 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, in Joshua Tree, CA. Organized by Bhakti Fest who leads the way in conscious festival events, Shakti Fest is unique as a springtime celebration of the divine feminine spirit, described in Hindu philosophy as the "dynamic force which moves the universe." The festival features world famous yoga teachers, Kirtan music stars, wisdom workshops, and a healing sanctuary.
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"When we started Shakti Fest as our spring celebration six years ago, we had no idea it would become such a beloved event," noted Sridhar Silberfein, founder of Bhakti Fest. "It's wonderful that we are able to honor the spirit of the universal mother right around Mother's Day."
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The Shakti Fest 2016 music lineup includes inspiring Kirtan (a.k.a. chanting) artists Jai Uttal, Donna De Lory, Larissa Stowe, Saul David Raye, Govind Das & Radha, Girish, Prema Hara, Jaya Lakshmi & Ananda, Spring Groove, Prajna Vieira & the Mukti Kirtan Ensemble, and Amritakripa. The centuries-old practice of devotional chanting is considered to connect humans with themselves, the universe, and spirit. The Kirtan performers are listed 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. 2016 Shakti Fest teachers include Shiva Rea, Mark Whitwell, Saul David Raye, Sara Ivanhoe, Mas Vidal, Laura Plum, Kia Miller, Tymi Howard, Leeza Villagomez, and desert favorite Kristin Olson leading Shakti-energy invoking�sessions in a variety of yoga styles. The full yoga lineup can be viewed at http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/yoga/.
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Shakti Fest 2016 Workshops will cover topics including Ayurveda, spiritual nutrition, tantric energy, astrology, Vedic science, healing trauma, bhakti art, Hindu mythology, and hoop dance, with internationally known speakers including Michael Brian Baker, Jeffrey Armstrong, Syamarani, Lorin Roche, Ph.D. and Mirabhai Devi. A pre-festival intensive will also be offered with Saul David Raye, while Govind Das & Radha lead a post-festival intensive. For further workshop and intensive detail, see http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/workshops/.
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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. The sublime high desert setting allows for peaceful inner reflection and uplifting spiritual renewal.

Accommodation options include, retreat center spaces, yurts, camping, and RV parking, all on site. There are also ten hotels within a few miles of the retreat center. The Shakti Fest Eco Village offers natural food vendors, yoga clothing and gear, jewelry, art and collectibles. The organizers pride themselves on running a green event, offering free water and mindful recycling practices. For travel information, see http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/travel-info/ and http://shaktifest.bhaktifest.com/lodging/.
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Bhakti Fest is a festival series that celebrates the devotional path that has its roots in yoga, Kirtan, and meditation. It embraces ancient and modern sacred wisdom and traditional and non-traditional spiritual practices. All the artists, presenters, and vendors embody, practice, and share the spirit of Bhakti in a variety of ways.�This includes continuous Kirtan, yoga, meditations and prayer, workshops, fire ceremonies, an eco-friendly village, holistic marketplace, healthy vegetarian cuisine, and a wellness sanctuary including massage, bodywork, energy work, intuitive readings, and other unique life enhancing modalities. Bhakti Fest encourages the spirit of service and offers a work exchange program. The festival donates monies to a variety of non-profit organizations that provide food, education, and environmental beautification programs around the world.
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Some of the many sponsorship program participants Bhakti Fest Events appreciate include Organic India, Health Ade Kombucha, Coconut Bliss, Divinitree Yoga & Art Studio, White Swan Records and the Hanuman Festival.