Kirtan Immersion & Bhakti Yoga Retreat
Old Black Point, Niantic, Connecticut
January 16-19, 2026
The Retreat: Bhakti Yoga & Kirtan Training
Join us for a 4-day immersive Kirtan Immersion Weekend in a historic oceanfront home in Old Black Point, Niantic. Together we’ll explore the practice of Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of devotion—through mantra, music, ceremony, story-telling, and community. Our time will be rooted in daily kirtan practice, where you’ll tap into your natural expression of devotion through your voice, as well as guided lessons on how to play not only the harmonium, but also Indian percussive instruments like khartals, shakers, and drums. Woven throughout will be stories of the gods and goddesses as well as ceremonies in their honor, creating a personal relationship with the deities at the heart of Bhakti Yoga.
You’ll learn practical tools to begin or deepen your own kirtan practice, whether your intention is to lead others or simply connect more fully with your own voice. We’ll gather for twice-daily asana, pranayama, and meditation classes, once in the morning and once in the evening, where the stories of the gods and goddesses of yoga come alive through movement. Beyond practice, there will be nourishing farm-to-table meals, seaside rest, and evenings of satsang—gathering in song, storytelling, and connection.
Yoga Alliance Continuing Education: This training counts for 30 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education credit for yoga teachers through Yogatrotter Academy (YACEP)
For everyone: While yoga teachers may use this toward their continuing education, this experience is open to all—no prior teaching, yoga, or kirtan experience required.
Come solo or with a friend, and leave with new skills, inspiration, and a heart full of mantra.
This retreat is for you if:
You’re craving connection and community with like-minded individuals on a similar journey
You’re a yoga enthusiast eager to deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy and its authentic roots
You’re a yoga teacher seeking to expand your knowledge of the origins of yoga
You’ve heard mantras in kirtan or modern “yoga songs” and felt curious about their meaning and power
You’re inspired to learn to play the harmonium and cultivate your own mantra chanting practice
You feel drawn to explore the stories of the gods and goddesses behind the practice, and connect with the spiritual heart of yoga
You’re looking for a soulful, immersive experience that nourishes both body and mind
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Nestled in the serene waterfront community of Old Black Point in Niantic, CT, our retreat home is a stunning private residence offering both charm and luxury. With 10 bedrooms (private and shared options), soaring spaces filled with natural light, a studio overlooking the water, an outdoor hot tub to relax in, and cozy gathering spots with fireplaces indoors and out, it’s the perfect setting for rest and connection. A private chef will prepare nourishing farm-to-table meals, enjoyed in the beautiful dining room overlooking the sound. Options include:
LOCAL COMMUTERS: If you live locally and do not require accommodation, there’s a discounted option to join with all meals included, and no room.
BUNK ROOM: Twin-sized bunk bed in a shared room with max 3 others and a shared hallway bathroom
TWIN DOUBLE: Twin bed in a room shared with one other person and a private ensuite bathroom
PRIVATE QUEEN: Queen bed or larger in a private room with ensuite bathroom
See below for pricing and pictures.
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All meals are included and prepared by our on-site chef using fresh, local ingredients. Expect nourishing, vibrant food made with care. We’re happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions—just let us know!
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By Air: The nearest major airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, CT, about 1 hour from Old Black Point. For those traveling from farther away, T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Providence, RI, is also about 1.5 hours away, and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is roughly 2 hours.
By Train: The closest Amtrak station is Old Saybrook, CT, just 15 minutes from our retreat location. Ubers are readily available from the station.
By Car: Free parking is available onsite at our retreat center for those driving.
We’ll be happy to help coordinate ride-shares among participants as the retreat approaches.
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Spa treatments: traditional or Ayurvedic massage
What’s Included?
Daily mantra chanting and the joy of learning sacred mantras, with guided harmonium instruction
Storytelling and workshops on the rich mythology of the gods and goddesses that inspire kirtan
“The Gods of Yoga” eBook for immersive study of yoga philosophy and its authentic Hindu roots
Twice-daily yoga and meditation to balance body, mind, and spirit (suitable for all levels)
Daily Sacred Ceremonies
Personalized support to deepen your personal practice and, for teachers, bring new depth to your offerings
30 hours of Continuing Education credits for yoga teachers — all seekers welcome, no teaching experience required
Luxury accommodations in a serene waterfront home in Old Black Point
Nourishing, farm-to-table meals crafted with love by our private chef
Thoughtful welcome gift and journal to accompany your journey
Heartfelt connection, community, and shared devotion
Daily Itinerary
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** Itinerary is tentative and subject to change in order to best fit the needs and preferences of the group
2:00 PM – Check In & Arrivals
3:00 PM – Welcome Ceremony
4:30 PM – Slow Flow Yoga
5:30 PM – Storytelling & Kirtan
7:30 PM – Dinner
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6:00 AM – Vinyasa Yoga
7:00 AM – Breathwork & Meditation
7:30 AM – Satsang & Storytelling
8:00 AM – Kirtan
9:00 AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – Harmonium Lessons
12:00 – Free Time
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Fire Ceremony
3:30 PM – Slow Flow & Sound Healing
5:00 PM – Bhakti & Breath with Girish
7:30 PM – Dinner
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6:00 AM – Vinyasa Yoga
7:00 AM – Breathwork & Meditation
7:30 AM – Satsang & Storytelling
8:00 AM – Kirtan
9:00 AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – Harmonium Lessons
12:00 – Free Time
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Cacao & Loving Kindness Ceremony
4:00 PM – Yin Yoga & Sound Healing
5:30 PM – Kirtan with Shakti Ma
7:30 PM – Dinner
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6:00 AM – Vinyasa Yoga
7:00 AM – Breathwork & Meditation
7:30 AM – Closing Ceremony
9:00 AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – Packing & Hugs
Your Hosts
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Megan Mulrine - Kirtan Trainer
Megan Mulrine is a kirtan artist and yoga teacher trainer who has guided more than 1,000 yogis worldwide on their journey to becoming yoga teachers. As the founder of Yogatrotter Academy & owner of the Niantic Yoga Studio, Megan runs 200hr, 300hr, and continuing education courses in the U.S., Bali, and India, as well as retreats all over the world with Wave Yoga Retreats. She spent a decade living in Asia studying yoga philosophy, first for three years in Japan, then for seven years in Bali, where she fell deeply in love with the stories and mantras of the Hindu gods and goddesses during her ceremonies and studies with the Balinese priestess, Mama Ati. Megan learned to lead mantra chanting from her Indonesian teacher and friend, Thia Moana, as well as in India, at the Krishna School of Music in Pushkar.
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Julia Morrison - Yoga Teacher
Julia Morrison is the founder of Wave Yoga Retreats and a 500-hour registered yoga and meditation teacher. She has studied in Bali, India, and the US with her cherished teacher and friend, Megan Mulrine, and also holds a 50-hour certification in Yoga Philosophy.
Julia is honored to be supporting Megan in this retreat by guiding the asana practices. Her classes will weave the stories of the gods and goddesses of yoga into creative vinyasa flows that bring the philosophy and kirtan studies to life. Her passion lies in curating transformative retreats around the world where like-minded individuals gather for growth and connection.
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Justine Wheeler- Vocal & Ceremonial Guide
Justine Wheeler is a singer, kirtan artist, yoga teacher, and performer who will be guiding us in vocal toning techniques, kirtan, and heart-opening cacao ceremony. After graduating with her 200hr Yoga Teaching Certificate from Hot on Bank in May of 2019, seeking more mindful movement and a deeper spiritual connection to the practice, Justine continued her studies with Jessi Magick of Wild Essence, and travels regularly to Costa Rica to immerse in yoga's mystical roots. Justine is currently studying Sanskrit mantra-chanting and kirtan with Megan Mulrine at Niantic Yoga Studio. Justine is always smiling, and she brings a unique and vibrant energy to every class. Her passion for sharing yoga with others radiates through her teachings, as she seeks to guide others through their yoga journey by connecting them to greater self-love and happiness.
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Girish - Kirtan Artist
Girish is an internationally touring world music artist, teacher, and author. He began his music career as a jazz drummer, spent five years as a monk in a Hindu monastery, returned to music as a session tabla player on more than a hundred world music albums, and for the past twelve years has written, recorded, and performed his own original music and taught Sanskrit mantras and chanting in music festivals and yoga studios all over the world. His seven albums have received critical acclaim from O, The Oprah Magazine, Yoga Journal, and The Guardian, among others. Girish's book, Music and Mantras, continues Girish's mission to share the art of meditation through music and mantra with the world.
During this retreat, Girish will be leading a workshop on Bhakti+Breath, with transformational breathwork and call-and-response kirtan to empower your chanting practice.
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The Omies - Kirtan Band
Along with Megan, Justine, and Julia, Becca Pepitone will be accompanying our kirtans on guitar, as will Kevin Gallagher (not picture) on percussion. Becca is a 500hr yoga teacher offering yoga and surf therapeutics in addition to being a certified BioScan SRT practitioner. Kevin Gallagher is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in mridanga. He recently completed his 200hr YTT at ISKCON’s Govardhan Ecovillage in India. Kevin will be teaching percussion and tending the fire for our ceremonies during this retreat.
Together, the Omies lead blissful, transcendental kirtan around southeastern Connecticut and beyond, with the mission of reminding all hearts of their joyful connection to the divine.
Accommodation Options*
*Local commuters who do not require on-site accommodation can join with all meals & experiences included for $750
PRIVATE ROOM
Queen Bed + Ensuite Bathroom
This option includes a private room for 3 nights with ensuite bathroom, equipped with a comfy queen-sized bed or larger, and all meals included.
$1650
SHARED DOUBLE
Twin Bed in Shared Room + Ensuite Bathroom
This option includes a twin-sized bed for 3 nights in a room shared with 1 other participant of the same gender, with a private ensuite bathroom, and all meals included.
$1250
BUNK ROOM
Bunk Bed in Shared Room + Hallway Bathroom
This option includes a twin-sized bunk-bed for 3 nights in a room shared with maximum of 3 other participants of the same gender, with a shared hallway bathroom, and all meals included.
$1000
ready to dive into the heart of yoga?
What People Are Saying
If you are wondering if our Bhakti & Kirtan retreat is right for you, we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
FAQs
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Rooms will be ready at 2pm on January 16th. Check out is at 11am on January 19th.
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Our Kirtan Training Weekend is designed for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced yoga practitioners, teachers, and musicians. Attendees must engage fully with the sessions and practices to receive certification. For those attending for personal growth, connection, or exploration, participation is flexible and optional—no prior experience in yoga, teaching, or kirtan is necessary. This weekend is designed to nourish curiosity, connection, and growth, offering inspiration and practical tools to bring back into your personal practice, teaching, or everyday life.
For yoga teachers seeking Yoga Alliance Continuing Education credit (30 hours), full participation in all training sessions is required, and completion of the training alone does not automatically guarantee credit.
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All deposits and payment installments are 100% non-refundable. Please be sure at time of booking or you will forego all costs associated. Travel insurance is highly encouraged.
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Reusable water bottle
Phone charger and personal electronics
Warm, comfortable layers (sweaters, long sleeves, cozy loungewear)
Yoga/movement clothes (leggings, breathable tops, layers for warmth)
Swimsuit (for the hot tub!)
Flip-flops or sandals (for walking to/from hot tub)
Warm socks and slippers/indoor shoes
Winter coat, hat, gloves, scarf (for outdoors)
Boots or comfortable shoes for walking outside
Journal, book, or devotional items (something to help you unwind or reflect)
Yoga mat (optional — mats will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own)
Personal toiletries
Any medications or health items
Optional: harmoniums, drums, tamborines, any instruments you want to bring!
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ABSOLUTELY. Wave retreats are the perfect place for solo travelers. You’ll meet and connect with a group of like minded people, and find lasting friendships along the way. We’ll make a WhatsApp group before the trip, where we’ll all introduce ourselves, connect with roommates if booking shared rooms, and potentially plan to travel together if you’d like!
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Totally! We love having couples on our retreats. We’d love to have your partner join any yoga classes they want to, but they can also just hang out, join for meals and excursions, and make the trip their own!
Couples can book individually at the shared room price, and have a private room for the two of them.
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For this local retreat, the venue is only available from January 16-19, the dates of the retreat, however if you are coming from out of town we are happy to suggest other local accommodations for before or after the retreat.
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As this is a training immersion, we ask all participants to refrain from consuming alcohol, marijuana, and other intoxicants during the weekend. The practices we’ll be engaging in—chanting, meditation, yoga, and self-inquiry—require presence, clarity, and full participation. Alcohol and weed can interfere with the depth of these experiences and the collective energy of the group.
We appreciate your understanding and commitment to creating a supportive, focused, and respectful space for everyone throughout the training.
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We have a scholarship program to help make our experiences accessible. We have one scholarship available on each of our retreats. If cost is a significant barrier for you, or if the currency of your home country coverts unfavorably into USD, apply here for a scholarship.
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Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM. After this time, we ask that noise be kept to a minimum, especially in shared rooms and common areas. Please be respectful of your roommates and fellow guests who may be resting or seeking solitude. Let’s co-create a peaceful and rejuvenating environment for everyone.
