The Kiirtana Retreat Ananda Dhiira will take place August 12–16, 2026 in the peaceful forests of Northern California near the South Yuba River. This five-day retreat offers Akhanda Kiirtana, meditation, Sadhana Shivir, yoga, and time in nature at Ananda Dhiira Master Unit. This five-day retreat offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen your meditation practice while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings of Ananda Dhiira.
Ananda Dhiira Master Unit is a WWD Master Unit located in Grass Valley, near the beautiful South Yuba River, surrounded by a serene oak forest. Margiis from the local area, the Los Angeles Region, and across the USA are warmly invited to attend.
Participants will also have time to enjoy daily walks to the South Yuba River, bathe in the refreshing waters, and meditate peacefully along the riverbanks. During the retreat we will enjoy delicious vegan and vegetarian meals prepared collectively, and there will also be opportunities to harvest fruits and vegetables from the gardens at Ananda Dhiira.
Who Is This Retreat For?
If you love Kiirtana, meditation, Sadhana Shivir, delicious vegan and vegetarian food, and spending time in nature away from the distractions of city life, this retreat is for you.
The Kiirtana Retreat at Ananda Dhiira is ideal for Margiis who wish to deepen their meditation practice while enjoying spiritual fellowship, uplifting Kiirtana, and the peaceful environment of the Sierra foothills.
What to Expect
Ananda Dhiira warmly welcomes you to spend five days together in meditation, mantra chanting, inspiring classes, and collective spiritual practice. The retreat also offers a refreshing break from everyday life and an opportunity to connect with others in a relaxed and natural setting.
Highlights of the retreat include:
• Daily Akhanda Kiirtana or Sadhana Shivir
• Daily yoga class
• Collective meditation four times daily
• Three sattvic vegetarian meals each day prepared by Didi and volunteers
• Inspiring talks on meditation, yoga philosophy, nutrition, and healthy living
• Outdoor walks and time in nature
• Walks to the nearby South Yuba River for bathing, relaxation, and meditation by the water
This retreat offers a beautiful opportunity to relax the body, calm the mind, and deepen your spiritual practice.
Understanding the Practices
Akhanda Kiirtana
Akhanda Kiirtana means continuous collective chanting of the mantra “Baba Nam Kevalam,” which means “Love is All There Is.” Participants sing together for extended periods, traditionally in increments of three hours. During this retreat we will practice three-hour sessions of Akhanda Kiirtana. This practice creates a deeply uplifting and devotional atmosphere that helps calm the mind and prepare it for meditation.
Sadhana Shivir
A Sadhana Shivir is an intensive meditation session where Kiirtana and meditation are practiced alternately, usually for 20 or 30 minutes each. For example, 30 minutes of Kiirtana followed by 30 minutes of meditation, repeated several times. After the final Kiirtana, we conclude with Dharma Cakra (collective meditation).
Individual Meditation
If you are new to these practices, we recommend first attending a meditation retreat for beginners and learning your individual meditation. However, if this retreat feels inspiring to you, you are welcome to attend. We recommend preparing by practicing Baba Nam Kevalam meditation at home and contacting us in advance if you would like to learn individual meditation before the retreat or during the retreat.
Retreat Atmosphere
To support meditation and spiritual practice, we follow a simple daily rhythm.
Participants are encouraged to wake up for Paincajainya (5 a.m.) and rest early in the evening (around 9:00–9:30 p.m.).
We observe silence during the following times:
• resting hours (9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.)
• meditation sessions
• thirty minutes after lunch
At other times participants are welcome to enjoy conversations during meals, free time, and outings, while remaining mindful and respectful of the retreat environment. No mobile phones during Sadhana Shivir and Akhanda Kiirtana.
Daily Retreat Schedule
5:00 a.m. – Personal meditation (PJ)
7:00 a.m. – Dharma Cakra
8:00 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sadhana Shivir or Akhanda Kiirtana
or outdoor time walking, bathing, and meditating by the South Yuba River
1:00 p.m. – Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Rest and Monovrata (silence)
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Walk, free time, or classes
4:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Sadhana Shivir or Akhanda Kiirtana
7:00 p.m. – Dinner
8:30 – 9:30 p.m. – Evening program
9:30 p.m. – Rest
Each day will include both indoor spiritual programs and time outdoors to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Ananda Dhiira.
Accommodation during the Kiirtana Retreat at Ananda Dhiira
Accommodation at Ananda Dhiira is simple and limited.
Women will stay in dormitory rooms in the main house, and brothers will stay in dormitory space in the barn. Most of the Akhanda Kiirtana and Sadhana Shivir sessions will take place in the large meditation hall located in the barn, and some at the main building.
Space is available for approximately:
• 10 sisters in dorm rooms
• 5 brothers in dorm space
• additional participants staying in tents
August is typically warm at Ananda Dhiira. You can expect hot sunny days—perfect for cooling down in the river—and cool evenings and nights.
A few tents are available, but participants are welcome to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads if they prefer camping. For those staying indoors, all linens are provided.
Yoga mats are available, though you are welcome to bring your own mats, blocks, or other items you may need.
What to Bring
Please bring the following items to make your stay comfortable:
• Bathing suit (for the South Yuba River)
• Towel (you may also borrow one from us if needed)
• Toiletries
• Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on gravel paths and trails
• Water bottle or thermos
• Notebook and pen
• Comfortable clothing for meditation and outdoor activities
• Personal medication or supplements (if needed)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Any other personal items you may need during your stay
Travel and Program
The address is:
Ananda Dhiira
19393 Sanctuary Road
Penn Valley CA 95946
United States
Arrival is from 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and the retreat will conclude at 10:30 a.m. after the closing sharing on Sunday, August 16.
Participants are welcome to attend the full retreat or join for part of the program if their schedule requires it. In that case, a daily accommodation fee can be arranged. Because space at Ananda Dhiira is limited, priority will be given to participants who register early and attend the full retreat.
The nearest airport is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located about 45 miles from Ananda Dhiira.
Uber is available from the airport to Ananda Dhiira. The drive usually takes about one and a half hours. In some cases, we may also be able to help arrange ride-sharing with other retreat participants. Please contact us if you would like assistance coordinating transportation.
Cancellation Policy
Because accommodation is limited, the following cancellation policy applies:
• Retreat fees are fully refundable up to 45 days before the retreat (minus transaction fees).
• If you cancel 30–44 days before the retreat, you will receive a 50% refund.
• If you cancel within 29 days of the retreat, no refund can be provided.
You may transfer your registration (deposit or full payment) to a friend or relative with the host’s approval up to 5 days before the retreat.
If you cannot attend this retreat, you may transfer your credit to another retreat within 12 months. If the new retreat has a higher fee, the price difference must be paid before attending.
If you arrive at the retreat and decide to leave early, retreat fees cannot be refunded or transferred.
If the host must cancel the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances, participants may choose either a full refund (minus administrative fees already paid) within 15 business days or transfer their payment to another retreat within 12 months.
If you contract a transmissible illness such as flu or COVID and cannot attend, your retreat fees may be transferred to another retreat with appropriate documentation. For the safety of all participants, anyone arriving at the retreat with a transmissible illness may be asked to return home.