Bhakti Fest, the originator of yoga and kirtan festivals in the now wildly popular yoga festival scene is pleased to announce the return of Bhakti Fest Midwest, for its second season July 5-7 at Willow Island Alliant Energy Center, in Madison, WI. As the only major festival in the region, the event brings yoga, kirtan music and wisdom workshops to America’s heartland. And to celebrate our patriots on Independence Day weekend, Bhakti Fest Midwest offers free admission to active duty service members and veterans.
Sridhar Silberfein, the founder and producer of the Bhakti Fests notes, “We are so pleased to bring the Bhakti energy back to Madison. Last year we took a risk on the Midwest and we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of regional support. We are thrilled to make Bhakti Fest Midwest an annual tradition. Taking place over the long Independence Day weekend, Bhakti Fest Midwest is a wonderful way to celebrate mental, physical and spiritual freedom in a beautiful setting and bask in the liberating power of numerous top yoga teachers, kirtan artists and workshop leaders.”
The kirtan (a.k.a. chanting) artists at Bhakti Fest Midwest include international superstars of kirtan Jai Uttal, Wah!, and Dave Stringer, plus regional favorites including Milwaukee’s Ragani, Columbus’ Mike Cohen, Minneapolis’ Kirtan Path, Wild Moon Bhaktas and Sitara & Kalyani with Pavan Kumar, Chicago’s Amy and the Bliss Tribe and Rich Logan, and many other inspiring performers.
Similarly the yoga lineup features world class yoga teachers Saul David Raye, Govinddas & Radha and Yoga Slackers, along with the Midwest’s yoga leaders including Detroit’s Eric Paskel, Milwaukee’s Pam Bliss, Columbus’ Laurel Hodory, Chicago’s Daren Friesen, Indianapolis’ Nikki Myers, and more.
The workshops at Bhakti Fest Midwest span inspirational speakers from near and very far. One of India’s most revered and beloved spiritual leaders – H.H. Pujiya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj is giving the keynote address in Madison. Pujya Swamiji is the president and spiritual head of Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India, one of the largest spiritual institutions in India to which tens of thousands of people from every country, every culture and every walk of life flock for inspiration, peace, and divine connection. He is also the founder/chairman of India Heritage Research Foundation, an international non-profit humanitarian organization running a wide variety of free schools, orphanages, medical clinics and women’s empowerment programs. He is also the founder of Ganga Action Parivar, a world-wide family of scientists, environmentalists and activists working to preserve and protect the sacred Ganges River. From closer to home, David Haberman a professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University, will speak on Revelations of Divine Love in the Bhagavad Gita. Fifteen other workshops will also take place.
Bhakti Fest Midwest also presents extensive breathwork classes. Additionally there is a marketplace with eco-friendly vendors offering delicious, high vibrational raw, vegan, and vegetarian foods and beverages, yoga gear, clothing, musical instruments, crafts and more.
Saul David Raye will present a pre-festival intensive in Madison. For information and tickets please see http://bhaktifest.com/category/festivals/shakti-fest/intensives/.
Picturesque ponds create a natural boundary for the plush green grass and limestone walkways that make Willow Island the ideal outdoor event venue for Bhakti Fest Midwest. Large, elegant Willow trees outlined by the Madison skyline craft a stunning backdrop and unmatched ambiance for the event.
Tickets for the event, including a $50 discount for seniors and college students, $75 tickets for teens and FREE admission for kids under 12, plus the full lineup and tons of info are available at http://bhaktifest.com/category/festivals/bhakti-fest-midwest/.