T
Bali · October 26 – November 4, 2026
Kirtan Training &
Bhakti Immersion
Learn to chant. Learn to lead. Learn to live bhakti.
Duration
10 days
Location
Ubud, Bali
Program
60 Hours
Spaces
Limited
Kirtan is a traditional practice of devotional call-and-response chanting rooted in the Bhakti Yoga tradition. This training is designed for those who wish to deepen their personal practice while learning the skills to confidently share kirtan with others.Over ten days, we explore not only music and harmonium, but also mantra meditation, voice, philosophy, presence, and the devotional heart behind sacred sound.
The Invitation
We'll learn, sing, and live bhakti together
I created this training because, over the years, I met many people who longed to share kirtan but didn't know where to begin. Some wanted to learn harmonium. Some wanted more confidence with their voice. Others were searching for the deeper roots of Bhakti and devotional chanting.My intention is not simply to teach songs, but to create a space where practice, philosophy, and community come together so that each participant can develop a genuine and sustainable relationship with kirtan.
This immersion is designed to take you there. Through daily kirtan, mantra meditation, prayer, bhakti philosophy, harmonium and instrument training, voice work, and real community practice, you will gain both a genuine understanding of the bhakti tradition and the practical skills to lead kirtan with confidence from the heart, not as performance.Over 10 days and 60 hours of program, including one full day of rest and integration, you will be immersed in the living culture of bhakti. Not just learning about it, but experiencing it from the inside.You do not need to be a musician. You do not need to be a singer. You only need sincerity.
What You Will Learn to Do
Real skills. Real confidence.
By the end of this immersion, you will leave with something tangible — not just inspiration, but actual ability. Here is what you will be able to do:
1. Lead kirtan with confidence
Lead simple kirtans from start to finish; opening, building energy, reaching a peak, and bringing it to a gentle close. You will know how to hold the space and guide the experience with presence and ease.
2. Create immersive kirtan experiences
Learn how to capture your audience, guide them into deeper states of devotion, and create kirtan experiences that are intentional, dynamic, and transformative, not just a song, but a journey.
3. Play harmonium accompaniment
Build real harmonium skills from the ground up, such as finger patterns, chord structures, melody, transitions, and how to play in an ensemble with other musicians. Harmonium provided if you don't have one.
4. Open your voice & sing with your whole body
Through daily vocal training you will discover what it feels like to sing with the whole of your body with a sense of totality, ease, and effortlessness. You will feel more connected with your voice than ever before. Your singing will deepen, your confidence will grow, and the self-consciousness that holds so many people back will gently fall away. The voice is not just a tool for kirtan, it is the most direct expression of the devotion within you.
5. Speak authentically between chants
Learn how to introduce mantras, share their meaning, and connect with your audience in a natural and heartfelt way without overthinking or losing the devotional atmosphere.
6. Develop a sustainable bhakti practice
Leave with a personal daily practice plan — japa, kirtan, scripture, sangha — so the transformation doesn't end when you fly home. You will know how to keep the fire burning.
How It Works
Every day you study, practice, and lead.
The structure of each day is designed to move you from understanding into embodiment, from knowing what kirtan is to actually doing it, again and again, until it becomes natural.
I. Study
Our morning sessions are dedicated to both the philosophical and practical foundations of kirtan; exploring bhakti philosophy, the devotional tradition, harmonium technique, melody structure, rhythm, and the art of call and response. You absorb the teachings first.
II. Practice
The afternoon begins with voice activation, sargam (vocal training), devotional singing, and hands-on instrument practice. This is where the teaching moves from your head into your body, your voice, your breath, your hands on the keys.
III. Lead
In our small group leadership practicum, you lead. You listen as others lead. You give feedback, receive feedback, and gradually build the confidence and skills to stand in front of a room and offer kirtan from your heart. By the final day, you are ready.
Sacred Timing
Beginning on the first day of Kartik
This immersion begins on October 26, the first day of Kartik, one of the most sacred and cherished months in the bhakti tradition. We intentionally chose to begin our journey on this auspicious day, allowing our time together to unfold in harmony with the special spiritual atmosphere of Kartik. It is a beautiful opportunity to deepen our practice, open our hearts, and begin this shared pilgrimage at a time that has inspired devotion for centuries.
Kartik, also known as Damodara month, is described in the scriptures as the month most dear to Lord Vishnu. During these sacred weeks, even a single lamp offered with love, a single round of japa, a single kirtan sung from the heart, all are said to carry extraordinary spiritual potency and grace.Each morning of our immersion we will gather to sing the Damodarashtakam — the eight sacred prayers glorifying Lord Damodara — and offer a lamp in the traditional way. Alongside our daily japa, arati, and kirtan, we deepen our relationship with the Divine through the heightened grace this holy month bestows.
To practice bhakti during Kartik is to plant seeds in the most fertile soil. What you begin here, you carry home.
🪔
Amplified devotion
All devotional acts carry special spiritual potency and grace during Kartik month.
📿
Deepening sadhana
Japa, arati, kirtan, study, and community — given living structure during Kartik.
✨
Divine remembrance
Drawing closer to the Divine and returning home with a practice that sustains you.
What You Will Experience
10 days of immersive devotional life
Nine days of full program + one day of rest and integration.
Japa meditation — daily Maha Mantra japa in silence — the foundation of bhakti sadhana
Morning kirtan & arati— prayers, lamp offering, Damodarashtakam, kirtan & devotional songs
Bhakti philosophy — Vedic scripture, sacred texts, and the living tradition of bhakti yoga
Harmonium training — from first finger patterns to leading full kirtans with confidence
Your Instrument — harmonium, guitar, ukulele, kartals — or just your voice. All welcome.
Voice activation — breath, sargam, devotional singing — your whole body as instrument
Small-group leadership practice — lead, listen, give feedback, grow in confidence together
Sunday program at Radha & Krishna temple — experience the living bhakti tradition
Community kirtan led by Akari — receive the practice while learning the art of leading kirtan
Daily prasadam — Sacred vegetarian food shared in gratitude and community
Final community kirtan practicum — your first offering to the world
A Typical Day
From morning japa to evening practice
Each day follows a gentle devotional rhythm, grounding you in practice while building skills progressively. Here is what a typical program day looks like.
7:30 – 8:00. Japa Meditation
Each morning begins with gentle breathwork, followed by japa meditation with the Maha Mantra. A peaceful time to turn inward and begin the day with presence and devotion.
8:00 – 9:00. Morning Kirtan, Arati & Scripture
Together we sing different traditional prayers and devotional songs, offer flowers and a lamp, and read briefly from scriptures. This morning sadhana sets the devotional tone for everything that follows.
9:00 – 10:00. Prasadam Breakfast
Vegetarian breakfast shared in community. Prasadam is food offered to the Divine, eaten in gratitude.
10:00 – 13:00. Philosophy & Instrument Training
Morning sessions are dedicated to the philosophical and practical foundations of kirtan. Bhakti talks rooted in Vedic scripture are followed by hands-on harmonium training including finger patterns, chord structures, melody, and the anatomy of leading a kirtan from opening to close.
13:00 – 15:00. Prasadam Lunch & Rest
A nourishing vegetarian lunch, followed by personal rest, reflection, and integration.
15:00 – 18:00. Voicework & Group Leadership Practice
Afternoons begin with voice activation, breathwork, sargam (Indian voicework), and devotional singing to open and strengthen the voice as an instrument of devotion. Then we move into our small group leadership practicum: you lead, you listen as others lead, you offer feedback, you receive it. Day by day, session by session, you build the confidence and presence to stand in front of a room and offer kirtan from your heart. By the final day, you are ready.
One full day is kept as a rest and integration day — a gift of space in the middle of the immersion to absorb, explore Ubud, or simply be still.Special days include attending the Sunday morning program at Radha Krishna temple, experiencing a live community kirtan led by Akari and friends, and culminating in a community kirtan practicum where you'll lead a live kirtan with the support of Akari and other experienced musicians.
The Journey
Six themes across ten days
I
Foundations of Bhakti & Kirtan
What is yoga? What is bhakti? What is kirtan, and why does it matter? We begin at the roots — philosophy, history, and the living tradition of sacred sound as the path for this age.
What is bhakti / History of kirtan / Yuga dharma
II
Sacred Sound & the Holy Name
The three aspects of God, mantra meditation, the anatomy of kirtan including opening, building, peak, landing. Call & response, pacing, simplicity, repetition. The science and art of sacred sound.
Nama-tattva / Anatomy of kirtan / Call & response
III
The Gift of Mahaprabhu
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Panchatattva, and the sankirtan movement as the tradition of congregational chanting that has spread devotion across the world. Meeting Krishna and Radha.
Sri Chaitanya / Panchatattva / Sankirtan
IV
Living Bhakti
The nine processes of bhakti, devotional service, and how to design a personal practice that sustains you long after the immersion ends. You will write your own daily sadhana plan for morning, weekly, monthly, to take home.
Nine processes / Daily sadhana / Personal practice plan
V
The Art of Leading Kirtan
Confidence, presence, humility, and leadership from the heart. Overcoming fear of judgment, perfectionism, forgetting lyrics, comparing yourself to others. Service versus performance.
Overcoming obstacles / Presence / Humility
VI
Offering & Celebration
A public community kirtan where every participant leads one mantra or participate in any way that feels right. Then graduation for reflection, commitment, blessing, and a final kirtan together.
Public practicum / Graduation / Certificate
Your Instruments
Come as you are
bring what you love
You are warmly welcome to bring your own instrument such as harmonium, guitar, ukulele, kartals, or anything else that calls to you. There is no requirement to play an instrument, and no experience is needed.If you have a harmonium, please bring it. If not, a harmonium will be provided for you throughout the training at no extra cost. Harmoniums are also available for purchase (a beautiful way to take the practice home).
This is for you if...
You love kirtan and want to understand the tradition and meaning behind the mantras
You feel called to lead kirtan but don't know where to begin
You already share kirtan and are looking for fresh inspiration, more confidence, and ways to deepen your practice
You want to lead from genuine devotion rather than performance
You are a yoga teacher or space holder who wants to bring authentic mantra practice into your offerings
You want to establish a meaningful daily spiritual practice
You seek genuine spiritual community and sangha
You are drawn to the Bhakti tradition and want to explore it more deeply
No musical experience required. No singing background needed. Only sincerity.
Bonus Included
Kirtan Online Course
5 additional songs
All participants receive access to the on-demand Kirtan Online Course. Learn five additional kirtan songs for Ganesha, Devi Ma, Shiva, Krishna and Hanuman with full instruction to continue expanding your repertoire after the immersion.
These songs are yours to keep and practice at home, with your community, and in your own future kirtans. A way to keep the learning alive long after you leave Bali.
The Venue
Lumina Sanctuary
Ubud, Bali
Nestled in the heart of Ubud, Lumina Sanctuary offers a beautiful and serene setting for deep immersion, with a spacious yoga shala and living room space, lush tropical gardens, an inifinity swimming pool, sauna (additional charge), yoga and meditation deck, and on-site restaurant serving nourishing vegetarian meals.Set beside a flowing river and just a short walk from Bali's sacred holy water temple, Lumina is surrounded by a naturally peaceful atmosphere. One of Lumina's most remarkable features is its fresh natural spring water, which you can drink directly from several taps throughout the property.
Participants are warmly encouraged to stay at Lumina to experience the full togetherness of the immersion. Morning walks, shared prasadam, evening conversations, and the natural sangha that forms when you live and practice in the same place.We intentionally chose Lumina Sanctuary as the home for this immersion because its tranquil atmosphere and cozy spaces create a nurturing environment for deepening our bhakti and supporting genuine inner transformation.
Accommodation Options
Lumina Sanctuary offers a range of accommodation to suit different budgets, from affordable shared dormitories to spacious private villas with kitchens and other premium amenities. Breakfast is included for course participants staying on site. Exclusive discounted accommodation rates are available for all course participants.
Dormitory
Our most affordable accommodation option, ideal for those who enjoy community living and the spirit of sangha. With plenty of peaceful spaces throughout the property, you'll always find room for both connection and solitude.
The price is $50 per night.
Shared Twin Room
Perfect balance between privacy and community. As twin rooms require two participants, availability depends on demand. If you'd like this option, we'll happily pair you with another participant whenever possible.
Prices start at $73 per night (discounted rate).
Single Villa
Your own private space to rest, reflect, and integrate each day's experience in peace. For those who wish to combine deep practice with extra comfort and beautiful surroundings.
The prices start at $128 per night (discounted rate).
If you'd like to stay at Lumina Sanctuary, please indicate this on your application form, and we'll send you the discounted rates and booking information. Accommodation is booked directly with Lumina.If you're already based in Ubud, you're very welcome to join the program as a non-residential participant. Simply register for the course and add the breakfast option for an additional IDR 1,100,000 (approximately $60). You can then commute to Lumina Sanctuary each day.
Your Facilitator
Akari Tamura
Bhakti practitioner, kirtan leader, musician, vocal coach, and international facilitator of devotional music and sacred sound for over 15 years, helping people open their voices and live a life of devotion.
Akari has shared kirtan, mantra meditation, bhakti philosophy, and voice workshops throughout Japan, Europe, India, Bali, and Thailand, creating accessible pathways into the living tradition of bhakti yoga for thousands of people across cultures and backgrounds.Rooted in years of dedicated spiritual practice and daily sadhana, Akari's teaching arises not from a curriculum, but from lived experience and a sincere relationship with bhakti.This immersion is a direct sharing of that living practice.
What's included — and what's not
✦ Included in course fee
60+ hours of program & course materials
Daily morning kirtan & arati
Damodarashtakam & lamp offering
Bhakti philosophy talks & handouts
Harmonium & instrument training
Voice activation sessions
Small-group leadership practicum
ISKCON Sunday program excursion
Community kirtan led by Akari (to receive)
Final public kirtan practicum (to offer)
Welcome dinner (Day 1)
8 Lunches
Breakfast (if you are staying at Lumina)
Flowers, offerings & puja materials
Japa mala
Pictures of the deities
On-demand Kirtan Online Course (learn 5 additional songs to lead, valued at $108)
Certificate of completion
60 hours Yoga Alliance Continuing Education (if registered)
○ Not included
Accommodation
Flights & travel to Bali
Visa fees
Personal dinners (except welcome dinner)
Breakfast (if you are not staying at Lumina)
Personal expenses & shopping
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Harmonium purchase (optional, available on site)
Investment
Early Bird $1,799 (USD)
Apply by August 31, 2026Full Price $1,999 (USD)
From September 1, 2026
Accommodation booked separately with Lumina Sanctuary — options from dormitory to luxury single. Breakfast included for Lumina guests. Course-only participants add IDR 1,100,000 for breakfast.Registered Yoga Alliance teachers may apply 60 hours toward Continuing Education.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need musical experience to join?
Not at all. This immersion is fully open to beginners. If you can hum a simple melody or clap a rhythm, you have everything you need. What matters most is sincerity and a genuine desire to engage with the practice.
Do I need to bring an instrument?
If you have a harmonium, please bring it. If not, a harmonium will be provided for you throughout the training at no extra cost. Harmoniums are also available for purchase during the immersion. You are also welcome to bring guitar, ukulele, kartals, shakers or any instrument you already play.
Do I need to be Hindu or follow a specific religion?
No. This immersion is rooted in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition of Sanātana Dharma, which we understand as the eternal path of awakening our innate loving relationship with the Divine, rather than a religion in the conventional sense.You do not need to identify as Hindu or belong to any particular faith to participate. People from all spiritual backgrounds, and those simply exploring with curiosity, are warmly welcome. We simply ask that you come with an open heart, a sincere willingness to learn, and respect for the tradition and practices we will be sharing.
What is the accommodation situation?
Accommodation is available directly at Lumina Sanctuary with options ranging from dormitory to luxury single room, to suit different budgets. Breakfast is included for all guests staying at Lumina. You book accommodation directly with Lumina Sanctuary. We will share full details after your application is received. You may also join the course without staying at Lumina if you are already based in Ubud.
What meals are included in the course fee?
The course fee includes a welcome dinner on Day 1, and daily lunches throughout the training. Breakfast is provided for all Lumina guests as part of their room. Personal dinners (except the welcome dinner) are on your own. Ubud has wonderful food options close by and can be easily delivered as well.
Is there a day off during the immersion?
Yes, one full day is kept as a rest and integration day, with no scheduled program. This is an intentional gift of space to absorb what you have been learning, rest, explore Ubud, or simply be still.
What is the Kirtan Online Course bonus?
All participants receive access to the Kirtan Online Course, a collection of five additional kirtan songs with full instruction, so you can keep learning and expanding your repertoire after the immersion ends. This is included in your course fee at no extra cost (valued at $108).
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the full program receive a Certificate of Completion documenting 60 training hours. Registered Yoga Alliance teachers may use these hours toward their Continuing Education requirements, in accordance with Yoga Alliance guidelines and their individual registration status.
This training offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of bhakti yoga while gaining practical skills in kirtan leadership, mantra meditation, devotional practice, and sacred music facilitation.
How does the application process work?
We use a simple application form to ensure this immersion is a genuine fit for everyone who joins. After submitting, you will hear back within 3 days. Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain an intimate and supportive environment.
What if I have never led a kirtan before?
No prior experience is required! The course is designed for both beginners and those with some experience. By the end of the immersion, you will have the skills to lead kirtan with confidence.
what previous participants say
Testimonials
"Kirtan training with Akari was a beautiful experience. I had an urge to deepen my understanding of the practice and to improve my singing, and with the help of her wisdom and magic this is exactly what happened. Highly recommended for anyone." ~ James M.
"I love Akari's Voice, her Energy, her Kirtan, her yoga classes and her whole being. I go to her Kirtans all the time and i was lucky to attend her Kirtan training. If you love Kirtan and if you wanna dive deeper into it, learn more about the Mantras, the Deities, the songs and their stories, open your voice, gain more openness and confidence in singing then go to this workshop. We had beautiful time together with so much joy and singing from the heart. And Akari has such a big knowledge and wisdom about yoga and mantras, its so inspiring to listen to her. I am feeling super thankful for this opportunity." ~ Linda L.
"I honestly thought learning the harmonium would take years, but this training completely changed my perspective. Everything was broken down into such simple, practical steps that I was playing my first kirtans already on day 1! By the end of the immersion, I could play several songs confidently, follow chord charts, and even felt comfortable accompanying my own chanting. I never thought I'd say this, but I can actually play the harmonium now!
More than learning an instrument, I found a deeper connection with my own voice and devotion. This experience has inspired me to continue practicing every day." ~ Maya S.
"This Kirtan training gave me the confidence to finally lead kirtan instead of staying in the background. I learned harmonium, improved my voice, and discovered that leading is about devotion, not perfection. I'm excited to share kirtan with my community." ~ Daniel R.
Ready to Begin?
Spaces are limited.
This immersion is intentionally kept small to preserve the depth of the experience, the quality of the teachings, and the intimacy of the sangha. If you feel called to this journey, we invite you to apply or book a call with Akari to explore if this immersion is the right fit for you.
Applications reviewed within 3 days · Launch special ends July 31, 2026
