Divine Dream Tour
A Rasika’s Journey Through Rajasthan India
A MAJESTIC TOUR OF ROYAL RAJASTHAN
FEBRUARY 7-21, 2024
Experience the Magic and Mystery of India through Pilgrimage, Yoga, Ayurveda, Music and Folk Dance!
Registration Closes September 1st 2023
Includes 100 hours of continuing education for Yoga Alliance certified yoga teachers
Find out more, contact Ananda
at ananda@onlyloveisreal.love
Colorful and Chaotic, Mysterious and Exotic
Welcome To Rajasthan
Explore the fairytale cities of the desert, travel to beautiful palaces filled with treasures of the maharajah and wander through forts with fascinating histories. Marvel at the grandeur of the pink city of JAIPUR and the abundant bazaars, travel across the JAISELMER desert on camelback and witness a the World Spirit Music Festival in a fort overlooking the romantic blue city of JODHPUR. Be immersed in this intriguing state of India while learning and practicing Ayurvedic beauty and self care rituals, daily Yoga and Folk Dance.
Hear the morning calls of the chai wallahs and the silence of the desert, sit by the holy lake of PUSHKAR and indulge in a golden JAISALMER sunrise. A lot of India tours rush from highlight to highlight, ticking them off in a blur of temples and tikka.
Our India journeys are about meeting local people, immersing in the art and culture dancing with the Kalbeliya in the desert, meeting the holy men of PUSHKAR camping under the stars in JAISALMER. This isn’t the India you see on postcards. This is India as it is. Raw, bizarre and totally addictive…
THE JOURNEY
Jaipur 2 nights ~ Jodhpur 4 nights ~ Jaisalmer 3 nights ~ Pushkar 5 nights
TRANSPORT
Air conditioned Bus, , Cycle Rickshaw, Private Air Conditioned Vehicle/Car/Van, Air conditioned Train, Camel
ACCOMODATION
4 Star Category Hotel, Luxury Tented Camp, Comfortable Guest Houses
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TOUR
Hawa Mahal is built in the shape of a honeycomb and resembles the crown of Lord Krishna.
The Jantar Mantar contains 19 large stone instruments, one of which is India’s largest sundial, the Samrat Yantra.
Jal Mahal is a low-rise symmetrical palace that floats in the center of the Sagar Lake.
Elefantastic is an elephant sanctuary dedicated to taking care of the domesticated elephants of Jaipur while giving jobs to low-income marginalized families.
Jaigarh Fort contains Jaivana, the world's largest cannon on wheel.
Specially organized dance classes by Kalbeliya dancers.
Visiting historical palaces, forts ,lakes, temples,. castles and monuments.
Wander around the blue city of Jodhpur ,pink city Jaipur, golden city Jaisalmer and the sacred ghats of Pushkar.
Folk songs, gypsy dances, camping in the desert. enjoying the dark glittery night and jiving to musicians playing a haunting, stringed instrument.
Ride camels through the desert in Jaiselmer, gaining insight into the life of rural Rajasthan while visiting tribal villages
Witneess the world famous Sufi and world music festival in the Jodhpur fort.
Shopper's Paradise, Rajasthan has the collection of handicraft work, found specifically in this region only. shops with fabrics, utensils, embroideries, camel saddles, trinkets, terracotta pots, silverjewellery, shawls, blankets, beads , bangles .
Learn about Ayurvedic beauty rituals, Indian aesthetics, Yoga and Folk Dance with Halo and Ananda Shakti along the way
Photoshoots with our talented photographer
JAIPUR - THE PINK CITY
February 7-8
The city in actual terms is a ‘gateway to Rajasthan’. A visit to this royal city of India presents you with an overall glimpse of Rajasthan. Forts, museums, lakes, authentic rajasthani food along with some colourful shopping, all together make your stay memorable.
The moment you enter the city, Amber Fort welcomes you with its old yet strong arms. The Fort standing strong amidst the hustle-bustle of the city marks an impressive beginning of the journey. Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Jal Mahal are few of the places which are most loved ones..For all the shopping lovers, its markets and fairs are no less than a paradise. With amazing colours beaming from every side, you are bound to spend almost every penny in these bazaars. Bandhej sarees, colourful pottery, dolls, toys, jewelry and paintings are sure to get you hooked for more than just a couple of hours. From Ramganj Bazaar for shoes and maujari to Johari Bazar for textiles and jewelry, Jaipur caters to everyone's tastes.And ofcourse, food will also make you fall in love with the city. No matter from where you come, its signature dishes like Dal BatiChurma, GattekiSubji, Ker Sangari, Bajreki Khichdi and sweets like Kalakand and Ghewar is set to take your palate for some interesting rides.
The famous writer and traveler, Mark Twain, wrote after his journey through India in 1896:
"So far ." as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that sun visits on its rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked.
WHAT TO SEE IN JAIPUR: AMBER FORT, HAWA MAHAL, THE CITY PALACE, JANTAR MANTAR, THE NAHARGARH FORT
THE AMBER FORT (A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE)
Located in the town of Amber and 11 kilometers from Jaipur, the Amber Fort is one of the most-visited forts in India. This UNESCO World Heritage site was constructed in 1592 by Raja Man Singh and served as the residence of the royal family.
The Amber Fort is an extensive palace complex and is divided into four courtyards. The main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, can be accessed through the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) or Chand Pol (Moon Gate).
Heading up the staircase from Jaleb Chowk will lead you to the second courtyard, which houses the famous Hall of Public Audience.
To access the third courtyard, you will need to pass through the ornate Ganesh Pol, where the king's private quarters were once located. Here, visitors can take in the fort's most exquisite structure, the Hall of Private Audiences, with its walls covered in intricate mirror work.
The fourth courtyard houses the zenana (women's quarters). This is where the king kept each of his wives and visited them when he wished.
HAWA MAHAL (PALACE OF WINDS)
Also known as the ‘Palace of Winds’, Hawa Mahal is a beautiful five-story palace located in the heart of the Pink City. This building was made in the shape of a honeycomb and resembles the crown that is often worn by Lord Krishna in religious depictions.
The Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the ruler of Jaipur from 1778 to 1803. He built it as an extension of the zenana or women's quarters in the City Palace. This building is made of pink and red sandstone and has a blend of Hindu Rajput and Mughal architecture styles.The 953 jharokhas or curved windows of the palace were once used by the women of the royal family to watch the city below without being seen.
When exploring Hawa Mahal, travelers can also visit the palace’s museum with its collection of weapons and antiques that were used in the past by Jaipur’s royal families.
THE CITY PALACE
The City Palace is a vast complex that comprises of several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 by Sawai Jai Singh II and was once the seat from which the Jaipuri kings ruled.
When exploring the City Palace complex, you will find a sequence of gardens, opulent palaces, courtyards, and temples. Some of the most famous structures include Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal.
The palace complex also includes a museum containing a unique collection of the clothes, ornaments, paintings, and weapons of Kachwaha rulers.
The architecture of the City Palace was influenced by Islamic, Rajput, and European styles. It is a seven-story building and is made from red and pink sandstone with decorated gateways which add elegance and beauty to the impressive structure.
JANTAR MANTAR
Jantar Mantar is the largest of five astronomical observatories in India and was used to measure the distances and positions of celestial objects. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts architects, mathematicians, geographers, and historians from all around the world.
At this observatory, you will find 19 large stone instruments, each serving a very specific purpose. Among them, the most famous is the Samrat Yantra which is the largest sundial in the country. To ensure accuracy, the structures were first made out of wood and the measurements were adjusted to provide perfect precision.
Jantar Mantar is one of the five astronomical observatories constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The other four are located in Mathura, Delhi, Ujjain, and Varanasi. Sawai Jai Singh II was a brilliant astrologer who also loved to study philosophy and architecture. He built these instruments to determine the position of planetary bodies and measure time.
THE NAHARGARH FORT
Nahargarh Fort, originally named Sudarshangarh Fort, is one of three forts in Jaipur that is located along the Aravalli Hills overlooking Maota Lake. The name of the fort means ‘the Abode of Tigers’ and was given because in the past the fort was frequently visited by these endangered creatures.
The main attraction of the fort is the Madhavendra Bhavan palace complex with its nine decadent apartments where the king's wives used to live. The apartments are connected to the king’s quarters by a corridor that enabled the king to secretly visit each wife.
Another main attraction in the fort is the Sheesh Mahal which is a beautiful palace with its interior decorated with thousands of pieces of glass.
MONKEY TEMPLE
The temple is often called as the Monkey Temple as you will find many apes roaming about here within the complex. This famous temple of Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Hanuman who is also called the Sun God. This wonderful holy temple of the Hindus is made of pink sandstone and the temple appears more like a palace than a place of worship. As the temple is located on the Aravalli Hills, it offers a fantastic view of the city of Jaipur from the hilltop. The surrounding of the temple also creates a lovely landscape with green vegetations on all sides. You will also find small temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna being established within the complex. The walls of the temple are beautifully painted and decorated with curved pillars and rounded roofs. This holy shrine experiences a lot of crowd every year during the occasion of Makar Sakranti when a large number of devotees visit the temple to take dip in the holy waters of the kund.
JODHPUR - THE BLUE CITY
February 9-12
A delightful blend of the modern and the traditional Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure.
WHAT TO SEE IN IN JODHPUR: THE SACRED SPIRIT MUSIC FESTIVAL, MEHRANGARH FORT, SHESH MAHAL, PHOOL MAHAL, CHAMUNDA MATA MANDIR.
THE SUFI & WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sufism goes past religion. It’s a direct association with the Maker in the journey for individual illumination and self-acknowledgment, rising above holy places, sanctuaries, mosques, and their customs. It discovers articulation in magical verse, music, and movement. The World Consecrated Soul Celebration in Rajasthan unites astonishing craftsmen from crosswise over India and around the globe in a dazzling imperial setting.
The World Sufi Festival 2023 will be held at the stunningly beautiful and huge Mehrangarh Fort roosted over the city of Jodhpur. Days and evenings of supernatural music, move, and verse guarantees a life-changing experience.
World Sufi Celebration invites Sufi craftsmen from India and over the globe to grandstand their most profound music at Jodhpur, in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan facilitating this social party will show plenty of its rich social legacy, making it an exceptional experience. The celebration has craftsmen originating from Iran, Egypt, China, Mongolia, Pakistan, India, and numerous more places. This otherworldly celebration takes us off to an adventure of profound music and conveys us to the intersection, where Indian legacy meets those of the world over. The program will incorporate Sufi shows, mehfils, Sufi addresses, qawwali, youngsters artists’ workshops, and parcel more. A trip to this festival is certainly about enjoying the Sufi music but also about exotic destinations, palaces, old-world forts, surreal desserts beauty & fascinating cuisines.
MEHRANGARH FORT
For the Rathore dynasty, Sun was the most superior of all Gods. Hence, they named the fort ‘Mehrangarh’, a name which was derived from two words: ‘Mihir’, that stands for Sun and ‘Garh’ implicating Fort. The locals gradually began to call Mehar-garh as Mehrangarh in their local accent, hence the name.Many blockbuster movies were also shot at this magnificent fort. The famous Hollywood movie “The Dark Knight Rises” has its significant scenes shot here. Bollywood is not too far behind! Movies such as “Awarapan”, “Hum SaathSaath Hain”, “Shudh Desi Romance” and “Holiday- A Soldier Is Never Off Duty”, are amongst the few Bollywood flicks that have been shot at Mehrangarh Fort.The fort is protected by walls measuring 118 ft in height and 69 ft in width, and still houses several palaces, known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. The fort has a museum, that has preserved a vast collection of paintings, costumes, arms and ammunitions from the Rathore rulers. It also features relics and artefacts from the Mughal dynasty.
There are seven gates to enter the Mehrangarh fort, which were made by different rulers in honor of victory over the Bikaner and Jaipur armies. You can still spot the imprints of cannonballs fired by the Jaipur army at the DedhKamgra Gate. To the left of the Loha Gate, are the hand prints of the royal satis, the wives of the rulers. It is said that the satis carried the Bhagavad Gita along with them while sacrificing themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, but the royal book would not perish.
SHEESH MAHAL
Situated within the compound of Mehrangarh Fort is the glass palace of Jodhpur, popularly known as Sheesh Mahal. This magnificent piece of architecture is adorned with walls of mirror work that stretch across ceilings and to the floors. It is superimposed by the mirror work of brightly painted religious figures cast in plaster.
PHOOL MAHAL
Going by the name, the Phool Mahal or Flower Hall is the most exorbitant of all the halls in the palace. This beautiful chamber is said to be the pleasure dome for the Maharajas. The gold used for constructing the Mahal came from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
CHAMUNDA MATAJI TEMPLE
Chamunda Mataji was Rao Jodha’s favourite goddess and so her idol was bought to the Mehrangarh Fort. Thus, the fort became a place of worship and was turned into a temple. Since then, locals have followed the culture of worshipping Chamunda Mata. In fact, till date, the goddess remains the Isht Devi (the adopted goddess) of Maharajas and the royal family.
JAISALMER - THE GOLDEN CITY
February 13-15
WHAT TO SEE IN JAISALMER: JAISALMER FORT, NATHMAL JI KI HAVELI, PATWON KI HAVELI, SAND DUNES CAMEL SAFARI
Where the forts are still alive Jaisalmer literally means ‘the Hill Fort of Jaisal’. The desert city is also called the Golden city thanks to the color it gets from the yellow sandstone used forconstruction of the buildings. Jaisalmar is one the last big towns in Rajasthan closest to the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer has come a long ways since being an important town along the ancient camel-train route ran through India and Central Asia. The citys most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live in.
JAISALMER FORT
The Jaisalmer Fort also goes by the name Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) as it rises from the desert itself and seems to become one with the golden hues of the sand. The setting sun adds its own magic and shrouds the fort with mystique. The fort is constructed in the classic style of the royals by local craftsmen. This fort is a world heritage site and forms an important plot point in one of Satyajit Ray’s famous Feluda stories and corresponding movie, Sonar Kela (The Golden Fortress).
NATHMAL JI KI HAVELI
Two architect brothers built Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli in the 19th century. They worked on the haveli from two sides and the outcome is a beautiful blend of the symmetrical construction. Miniature style paintings and mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone are used for decoration.
PATWON KI HAVELI
Among the largest and the most elaborately carved havelis in Jaisalmer, this five-storey structure sits proudly in a narrow street. While the haveli has lost some of its early glory, a few paintings and mirror work art can still be seen on the inside walls.
SAM SAND DUNES CAMEL SAFARI CAMPING AT THE DESERT
Away from the urban chaos and at the heart of the sprawling Thar Desert, Y ou will experience the Rajasthan in its true essence. Camping under the sparkling skies of Rajasthan desert , treats you to the celestial wonders. Feel the warm sand under your feet and lay back and enjoy the showcase of cultural performances. An impressive fusion of adventure and comfort, camping amidst the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is truly a one of a kind outdoor experience you shouldnt miss.
PUSHKAR - THE TOWN OF BRAHMA
February 16-21
Pusher is The Pilgrimage Town of Fairs and Festivities and holy ghats. Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. Located to the northwest of Ajmer, the tranquil city of Pushkar is a favored destination for thousands of tourists and devotees flocking to Rajasthan. Situated at a height of 510 metres, Pushkar is surrounded by hillocks on three sides. The ‘Nag Pahar’, literally meaning Snake Mountain forms a natural border between Ajmer and Pushkar. Known as ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’, the essence of the famous Pushkar rose is exported all over the world. Along with an interesting mythological history, a legacy of timeless architectural heritage makes Pushkar a fascinating city.
According to legends, Lord Brahma, believed to be the creator of the Universe dropped a lotus to the ground leading to the immediate creation of a lake. He then decided to name the place after the flower, and thus the name, Pushkar. The city of Pushkar is home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the whole world. Hindus consider a journey to Pushkar to be the ultimate pilgrimage that must be undertaken to attain salvation.
WHAT TO SEE IN PUSHKAR: PUSHKAR LAKE, BRAHMA TEMPLE, SAVITRI DEVI TEMPLE, GYATRI DEVI TEMPLE, RANGJI TEMPLE, VARAHA TEMPLE
PUSHKAR LAKE
According to Hindu scriptures, the sacred Pushkar Lake is described as ‘Tirtha Raj’, the king of all pilgrimage sites. No pilgrimage is considered to be complete without a dip in in the holy Pushkar Lake. Semi-circular in shape and about 8-10 metres deep, Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and over 400 temples and is truly a magnificent sight to behold.
BRAHMA TEMPLE
Nestled in the picturesque Pushkar valley beyond the Nangaparvat and Anasagar Lake, the Brahma temple holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. It is the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Built with marble and decorated with silver coins, this temple can be identified by its red spire and the image of a swan (considered sacred to Lord Brahma). The chaturmukhi (four faced) idol of Lord Brahma is housed in the inner sanctum. A marble statue of the sun god stands sentinel at the temple. Interestingly, while all the gods are shown bare footed, Surya is shown wearing ancient warrior,s boots.
SAVITRI TEMPLE AND GYATRI TEMPLE
Dedicated to Lord Brahma's first wife, Goddess Savitri, this temple is situated on a hillock right behind the Brahma temple. While climbing the long series of steps leading to the temple, one can catch a panoramic view of the lake, surrounding temples and sand dunes. The presence of the only Brahma Temple in Pushkar is the outcome of Savitri’s curse to Brahma for marrying another Goddess, Gayatri, while starting his yagna in Pushkar.
RANGJI TEMPLE
The gracious and conspicuous Rangji Temple is another popular shrine that witnesses thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rangji, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The influence of South Indian style, Rajput style and Mughal style in the temple’s architecture is highly noticeable. The high-rising ‘Gopuram’, prevalent mainly in the temples present in South India is another feature of the temple that attracts visitors.
VARAHA TEMPLE
Varaha temple is the largest and the most ancient temple of Pushkar. Constructed by the 12th century ruler, King Anaji Chauhan, this temple is dedicated to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a wild boar. Legend has it that Varaha rescued the earth from depth of the primeval water, where it was dragged down by a demon (Hirnayaksh). It is one of the most visited temples in Pushkar.
KRIYA FLOW YOGA & AYURVEDIC BEAUTY RITUALS
With Ananda Shakti
Kriya Prayer Flows:
The Yoga of Trust/Faith ( Shradha Shakti )
The Yoga of Gratitute (Bhakti Shakti)
The Yoga of Inspiration (Divya Shakti)
Sananda Kriya Prayer Flows are a form of Yoga flows that is potent spiritual technique. The three being offered now to the public awaken the primary states of consciousness that are necessary for spiritual deveolpment. Gratitude, Divine fire, Faith.
Kriya Prayer Flows are Dynamic, yet meditative asana flows that include the subtle aspects of yoga : mantra, mudra, bandha, chanting and recitation of spiritual scripture/teachings/transmission. The shakti (energy) of each kriya sequence flows through the practitioner like a celestial song reorganizing and purifying ones pranic flow towards the state of consciousness that is intended.
What is Kriya Yoga ?
Kriya; in Sanskrit means action, deed, effort and includes personal work and spiritual efforts. True spiritual efforts always are efforts of selfless love
Yoga; to join, to unite, thus to reunite mankind with God.
Kriya Yoga; as a combined word thus means to act with love and work in a loving way until all our karma is dissolved and we are reunited with God. The purpose of Kriya Yoga is to free souls entangled on earth by the power of divine love and to reunite souls with God. We human beings are spiritual souls trapped in our karma related body on our planet earth.
Ayurvedic Beauty Rituals
Ayurveda is a timeless science of medicine and beauty. On this journey we will dive into daily practices to nourish youth, beauty and radiance.
INDIAN FUSION DANCE, TANTRA YOGA & AYURVEDA BEAUTY RITUALS
With Halo Seronko
Folk & Court Dances
Indian Fusion is an alchemical dance in which we explore the art and offering of dance as a means of devotion. In ancient dance traditions, dance was used as a means of communing with the Beloved; the formless spirit that exists within the vessel of form that is the body. In Shakti Temple Dance we work with archetypal and elemental themes within ancient and modern dance forms in order to commune with the Beloved within and without, and to offer the beauty of our art in devotion to the Divine as a moving prayer.
We will be drawing on techniques from Classical Indian Dance, Tribal Fusion Belly Dance, and Mystical Persian Dance.
In Shakti Temple Dance, we empty that we may be filled, we offer that we may be received, and we dance that we may become one with the rhythm of the cosmos.
On this Journey:
Explore the history, theory and aesthetics of folk, court and temple dances.
Learn about mudras, bhava or divine emotion, and circle dances
Learn technique and foundations
Sample sections of Indian Fusion choreography
Tantra Yoga
Tantra Yoga is a profound spiritual science of awakening. In this system we “yoke” the energies of the sun (Ha) and moon (Tha) into Yoga, or union. Tantra Yoga is in essence Hatha Yoga. We use several techniques for our desired aim such as Asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), Mudra (energy seals), Bandha (locks), Kriyas (purifications), Mantra (sacred chants) and Meditation.
In Tantra Yoga we focus not just on proper physical postures, but on the energetic affect of the asanas. We use specific asanas to balance or activate different chakras or energy centers in the body.
On the Sublime Shakti Pilgrimage our Tantra Yoga Classes will be exploring not only the practice of Tantra Yoga but also the philosophy.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
ANANDA SHAKTI (XENIA SPLAWINSKI)
Ananda Shakti's life has been dedicated to discovering how to become Bliss and live in authentic service and devotion to the Divine. Her great delight is to share her experience of awakening with others who are aspiring to know Love. She have had the immense honor of receiving spiritual initiations and blessings by many great masters in the Americas and in her Beloved India. She is a devotee of Devi the Divine Feminine, Goddess, or Shakti principle and it is in Her service and inspiration that Ananda Shakti acts.
Sananda is the name thatAnanda Shakti chose to represent her offerings. Sananda is one of the names for the Goddess of bliss and fullness as well as representing a state of spiritual absorption in Bliss. It is also a Vedic word for the big bang theory, the Great Oneness from where the multiplicity birthed. The word Sananda represents the One and the Many and is also known as an esoteric name for Christ Consciousness. Ananda Shakti feels that it describes her inspiration, a merging of the East and the West of the One and the Many and the embodiment of Bliss.
Ananda Shakti has been leading, Sananda Devi, yoga teacher training courses since 2004 in Toronto, Canada and abroad. She also teaches a specialized form of yoga called Kriya Prayer Flows, which open the body/mind to the moods that are the pillars of spiritual awakening: Devotion, Faith and Inspiration.
Ananda Shakti is also an intuitive healer and through Sananda Art of Life, specialize in the release of karmic imprinting and offers training in this intuitive method of connecting to higher realms energies to release what is dense and stuck in the world of form.
She lead retreats and tours to different places in the world, for instance The Sublime Shakti Tours to India, which are an absolute delight ! A journey through India to the most potent Goddess Temples while learning yoga, meditation and chanting along the way.
She has a history in the music scene and L*O*V*E* POWER is the name of her current band. They play interactive music and kirtan merging East and West, Bliss and Dance, Performer and Audience. They believe Music and the Power of Love can turn this world around.
More about Ananda Xenia Shakti and Sananda here:
HALO SERONKO
Halo Seronko is a teacher of feminine embodied awakening who brings a deep wisdom and love of lineage and tradition onto the dynamic stage of the modern world. Halo has been teaching Tantra, Temple Dance and the Taoist Feminine Arts for 8 years and in 2015 she founded the online and international school Shakti Temple Arts. She has led multiple international retreats including Tantra of Temple Dance in Guatemala, Path of the Mystica in Greece, Sublime Shakti Pilgrimage in India and day long immersions in Australia, Italy, India, Costa Rica and the USA. She has created two rich online courses into the Taoist Feminine Arts and the Divine Realms of Tantra and has initiated hundreds of women into these profound paths.
Temple of Shakti is her most current and greatest vision to date in bringing these profound arts to those who feel the calling.
Halo has been passionate about the place where embodiment and spirit meet for as long as she can remember. This passion has lead her on a profound path of study, practice, pilgrimage and teaching.
Her first teacher in embodiment arts was her father Willow Seronko who introduced her to Taoism, Tai Chi and Qigong from the ripe age of 14. Since then she has never ceased her seeking and development in the sacred arts. Halo has lived between the holy land of India and the USA for the past decade. In her journeys she has sat at the feet of many masters and received initiation into both the Kaishmir Shaivist and Sri Vidya lineages of Tantra through Agama Yoga in 2011 and Devipuram in 2014. She continues to study and practice in Sri Vidya Shakta Tantra under the guidance of her current teacher. With dance as a central part of her journey, Halo has trained countless hours in a Classical Indian Dance form born of the Temples of East India called Odissi and was part of the sacred dance troupe Dakini Rose Devadasi for many years. These experiences infused her development of what she coined Shakti Temple Dance. During that time she was also initiated into the 13 Moon Mystery School under its founder, Ariel Spilsbury. In 2018 Halo officially received a Yoga Alliance certification as a teacher of Tantra Yoga from Satya Loka School of Traditional Tantra and Yoga. All of these threads weave into her unique flavor of teaching, building a bridge from the mundane to the mystical for all who attend her courses.
I am here to guide you back to your true power, radiant beauty and indwelling divinity so that you can live mythically, in your purpose, and be the change that only the awakened feminine can bring.
ITINERARY & CURRICULUM
As this is a spiritual journey, we will not only be exploring the whimsical beauty without, but also within! Ananda Shakti and Halo will be sharing teachings along the way that set a deeper context for our experience.
Our first segment of the journey we will establish our foundational Yoga, Dance & Ayurvedic self care and beauty practices as a beautiful enhancement for our journey.
Each evening we will gather briefly from our days activities for a Lecture, Meditation or Ritual. Lecture topics will expound on the mythos, aesthetics and philosophies of India arts, religion and culture.
Free time and bazaar time will be arranged as well, as India's markets are simply exquisite!!!
Day 01 - (7th Feb) Meeting at jaipur and local waliking tour to the nearby bazar of Jaipur city of Rajasthan.Over Night will be in Jaipur).
Day 02 - (8th Feb) After a delicious breakfast visit Central Jaipur - City Palace, Palace of Winds, Hawa mahal and watch the sunset at the Sun Temple,Monkey Temple.
Day 03 - (9th Feb) After a healthy breakfast drive to Jodhpur. 6.00 hrs/322 km drive by car.Over night at Jodhpur .
Day 04 - (10th Feb) Sacred Spirit Sufi Music Festival.
Day 05 - (11th Feb) Sacred Spirit Sufi Music Festival.
Day 06 - (12th Feb) After morning breakfast half day tour to the blue city Jodhpur.
Day 07 - (13th Feb) After morning breakfast drive to Jaisalmer. 4.00 hrs/281 km. Check into the pre booked hotel. Local sight seeing. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08 - (14th Feb) Camel safari and over night at the desert with Music and Dinner, Camp fire.
Day 09 - (15th Feb) Return back to the hotel from the Desert take some rest and afternoon walking tour Jaisalmer market.
Day 10 - (16th Feb) After a Healthy Breakfast drive to Pushkar. 457 km/8 hrs. Hotel Check into the hotel and resting. Over night at Pushkar Bharat pur hotel right at the ghats of Pushkar Lake.
Day 11 - (17th Feb) Kalbelia Dance class and afternoon Pushkar Lake Walking Tour over Night at Pushkar.
Day 12 - (18th Feb) Morning Kalbeliya Dance Class and Local Sight Seeing Visit Gayatri and Savitri Temple Brambha Temple. Night stay Pushkar .
Day 13 - (19th Feb) Dance class and Evening sunset Arti ceremony with Drums.Night stay at Pushkar.
Day 14 - (20th Feb) Dance class and Shopping.over Night at Pushkar.
Day 15 - (21st Feb) Breakfast & departure
*Itinerary subject to change
THE DETAILS
THE TRAVEL
Our journey will be a total of 16 days. We will have a partial travel day in between each location. Our travel will include trains and automobiles. All will be pre-arranged, as well as hotels. Further details on the transportation will come with the schedule at a later date. Meal places will not be pre-arranged, however all of your guides have spent time at each of these locations and know clean and good places to dine. We encourage participants to purchase a round trip flight from Delhi or Jaipur. We begin our journey in Jaipur, Rajasthan which has an international airport. It is an 5 hour train or 1 hour flight from Delhi.
INCLUDED
All accommodations in 4 star hotels or guesthouses. The hotels are chosen because of their character and relevance to where we are. On this tour, our goal is to be as much a part of India as we can. All rooms will have your own bathroom and will be shared with one other person unless the private room rate is paid.
Transport within the tour.
Visits to the sacred sights, shrines, temples and pujas (ceremonies) therein
All applicable taxes and tolls as per govt regulations
Professional Indian tour guide
Daily Yoga, Dance classes
Evening Meditations, Lectures or Rituals
Chanting
One on One spiritual counseling
Music Festival Entry
LOCATION: INDIA
Full Tuition With Private Room: $5,000 USD
Non-Refundable Deposit: $500 USD
Payment plan options are available, please inquire at the form below
ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE COMPLETE BY SEPTEMBER 2023
13 Spaces available
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to and from India
Visa Costs
Arrival and departure taxis
Special ceremony costs (some pujas may not be covered)
Luggage fees
Camera and video charges for photography.
Meals (please allow a comfortable budget of $200-$400 USD for dining)
Elephant ride at the Amer fort Jaipur.
Any personal nature items like Laundry, table bills, camera fee, tips or any other item .
Optional Activities mentioned in the itinerary.Vedic Astrology sessions
Personal shopping