Music & More Summer Retreat

2026.13 -Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Invitation to Register for the Music & More Summer Retreat at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad

Dear sisters and brothers,

In keeping with Daaji’s vision of Heartfulness creating Gurukuls of Music that combine music and spirituality (where music is not only learnt as an art form but also experienced as a means to deepen inner stillness and connection), we are delighted to continue with the Music & More Summer Camp at Kanha Shanti Vanam this year, after a very well-received inaugural camp in 2025.

We heartily invite those already exposed to music and those who would like to be introduced to music and/or dance to an immersive 5-day experience from May 23 (Sat) to May 27 (Wed).

Please listen to Daaji’s invite at https://hfn.li/Music&More

The artists’ details are below:

• Sunitta Menghanaani, a distinguished Bharatanatyam artiste and dedicated teacher whose journey embodies passion, discipline, and deep commitment to the classical arts.
• Vivek Kayal, an accomplished Indian tabla artist, recognized for his sensitive accompaniment, clarity of bols, and refined command of layakari within the Hindustani classical tradition. His playing reflects a fine balance of tonal depth, rhythmic precision, and aesthetic restraint, making him a sought-after accompanist for both vocal and instrumental music.
• Paramananda Roy, an accomplished Indian classical flautist, known for his melodious tone, lyrical expression, and deep understanding of the Hindustani classical tradition whose music reflects a sensitive balance between technical finesse and emotive depth, making his performances both meditative and engaging.
• Ruchira Panda, a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist and a leading exponent of the Kotali gharana, known for her refined artistry and intellectual depth. Her music is marked by a seamless blend of classicism and creativity, encompassing khayal, thumri, tappa, and bhajans, rendered with emotional richness and technical finesse.
• Pandit Shantanu Bhattacharyya, a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist of the Patiala gharana, celebrated for his evocative renditions of khayal and thumri, marked by tonal richness and emotional depth.
• Shantala Subramaniam, a Carnatic vocalist and flautist, known for her melodious expression and strong grounding in classical tradition. Her music reflects a blend of vocal depth and instrumental finesse, with a keen sensitivity to raga bhava and laya.
• Ganakalashree Sampagodu S. Vighnaraja is a distinguished Carnatic vocalist, flautist, and Sumukha Veena artist from Sringeri, Karnataka, as well as a composer and teacher. A prolific composer, a dedicated guru and an innovative musician, he created the Sumukha Veena in 2021 by adapting the acoustic slide guitar to the Carnatic idiom.

The genres planned this year are Hindustani and Carnatic vocal, Hindustani and Carnatic flute, tabla and Bharatnatyam dance.

There will be three levels: Introductory, Basic and Advanced with clear eligibility criteria given in the registration. The group format of training will ensure individual and collective learning, as well as connecting to a community of fellow musical enthusiasts.

The retreat is open to sincere seekers across age groups, including those with little or no prior formal training. In fact, we encourage adults and elders to undertake this exposure and experience the benefits of musical learning.

Participants will engage in two to three hours of daily learning with remaining time for personal practice, reflection, exposure to the Heartfulness practices and enjoyment of the serene atmosphere of Kanha Shanti Vanam. There will also be a series of music concerts by the artists to deepen the immersion.

As the number of seats is limited to ensure depth and quality of learning, we encourage all interested abhyasis to register at the earliest.

We whole heartedly invite you to what promises to be a unique life experience. We pray that this offering becomes an inspiring step in your musical and inner journey.

Heartful regards,
Organizing Team

Retreat Schedule:

Arrival: Evening, Friday, May 22, 2026
Retreat: Saturday, May 23 to Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Departure: Thursday, May 28, 2026 (morning)

Training Streams:

• Bharatnatyam Dance
• Tabla
• Hindustani Flute
• Hindustani Vocal
• Carnatic Vocal
• Carnatic Flute

Each stream will have two levels, basic and advanced, with clear eligibility criteria provided during registration. The retreat is open to sincere seekers across age groups, including those with little or no prior formal training (for basic streams).

Fees and Expenses:

Introduction to Music: INR 2,500/- per participant
Basic & Advanced Streams: INR 7,500/- per participant

Accommodation and food costs are separate:

Food: Approx. INR 650/- per day (simple vegetarian meals) with café options available on campus/

Accommodation: From INR 750/- per day (AC dormitories) to INR 5,250/- per day (Pearl Hotel), based on preference.