7-Day Learn Harmonium with Kirtan & Mantra Chanting in Rishikesh

Day 1: Foundations of Sound

• Harmonium basics: posture, bellows, hand placement.
• Learning notes (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa).
• Finger strengthening exercises.
• Chanting practice: Om (sustained tone).

Day 2: Invoking Ganapati with Mantra

• Scale practice in 2 keys (C & D).
• Basic chords (Sa–Pa–Sa, Sa–Ma–Pa).
• Rhythm practice with a drone.
• Mantra: Om Gan Ganpataye Namah.

Day 3: Entering the Flow of Bhakti Kirtan

• Revision of scales + chords.
• Learn melody & rhythm for Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.
• Call-and-response style introduction.
• Playing with drone while chanting.

Day 4: Power of Devi Chanting

• Exercises for smooth chord transitions.
• Chord flow practice across scales.
• Kirtan: Jai Mata Kali Jai Mata Durga.

Day 5: The Mantra of Shri Ram

• Continuity practice (playing + singing together).
• Tempo variations: slow, medium, fast.
• Mantra: Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.

Day 6: Energy of Shiva Shambho

• Learn Shiva Shambho kirtan (uplifting, rhythmic).
• Practice transitions between kirtans.
• Guidance on leading a chant while playing harmonium.

Day 7: Offering of the Heart

• Final revision: scales, chords, rhythm.
• Learn Asato Ma Sadgamaya (peace mantra).
• Practice full sequence of kirtans/mantras:
  1. Om Gan Ganpataye Namah
  2. Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
  3. Jai Mata Kali Jai Mata Durga
  4. Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram
  5. Shiva Shambho
  6. Asato Ma Sadgamaya (closing prayer)
• Closing circle: students lead a kirtan individually or in pairs.

Schedule:

2 hours daily – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Students are also welcome to self-practice in the yoga hall whenever it’s free. Instruments such as harmoniums will be available for in-house guests who wish to continue their personal practice beyond class hours.

This is more than a harmonium workshop – it’s a spiritual immersion into sound, self-expression, and community.
Through daily practice and gentle guidance, you’ll learn not only how to play and chant but why these ancient traditions are powerful tools for peace and inner awakening.

By the end of the 7 days, you will:

• Be able to play and sing simple Kirtans on the harmonium
• Understand the meaning and pronunciation of key Sanskrit mantras
• Experience the emotional and energetic effects of sound healing
• Develop confidence to lead or join group chanting circles
• Feel a deeper connection to yourself and your spiritual path
  

The retreat combines music, meditation, learning, and stillness – creating a balance between practice and peace.

1. Harmonium Foundation

Learn to play the harmonium step-by-step, even if you’ve never touched one before.
You’ll begin with understanding how the instrument works from its bellows to keys and move toward playing melodies and accompanying chants.

You’ll learn:

• Anatomy of the harmonium: reeds, scales, octaves, and airflow
• Correct sitting posture and finger placement for smooth playing
• How to coordinate your breath with the bellows
• Playing Sa Re Ga Ma scales and simple Indian ragas
• Learning chords and melody progressions for mantras
• How to accompany chanting with rhythm and confidence

By the end, you’ll be able to play simple devotional songs independently.

2. Kirtan & Bhakti Practice

Kirtan is the musical expression of Bhakti Yoga – the yoga of devotion.
Through call-and-response singing, you’ll learn to open your heart, overcome inhibitions, and experience collective joy.

You’ll explore:

• The spiritual meaning and purpose of Kirtan
• Common Kirtan melodies and compositions
• How to use rhythm, tone, and repetition to elevate energy
• Techniques for leading or supporting group Kirtan
• Building confidence in singing and expression
• The connection between emotion, voice, and devotion

Even if you feel shy about singing, you’ll discover that Kirtan is not about performance – it’s about participation and connection.

3. Mantra Chanting Practice

Mantras are powerful vibrations that influence the body, mind, and spirit.
You’ll learn sacred Sanskrit mantras that have been chanted for centuries to cultivate peace, joy, and awareness.

You’ll discover:

• The correct pronunciation and meaning of popular mantras
• How to feel the vibration of sound in your body
• Mantra meditation as a daily spiritual practice
• How to combine mantras with harmonium music
• The healing power of repetition and rhythm

Common mantras like Om Namah Shivaya, Hare Krishna, Gayatri Mantra, and others will be taught with devotion and depth.

4. Voice & Rhythm Training

Your voice is your most natural instrument.
Through guided vocal practices, you’ll learn how to find and strengthen your natural tone while staying relaxed and open.

You’ll practice:

• Breathing exercises for better vocal control
• Vocal warm-ups and toning for clear sound
• How to maintain rhythm using simple Indian taals
• Singing in harmony during group chanting
• Overcoming hesitation and expressing freely through your voice

These sessions help you become comfortable with your own sound – a key to confidence in Kirtan and daily chanting.

5. Philosophy of Sound & Devotion

Understanding the spiritual foundation of music deepens your experience.
You’ll be introduced to the essence of Nada Yoga – the Yoga of Sound and Bhakti philosophy which teaches that devotion transforms the heart.

You’ll learn:

• How sound vibration affects the mind and emotions
• The link between chanting, chakras, and energy flow
• The role of devotion in spiritual growth
• How to make music a form of meditation and surrender

These discussions make the learning holistic – connecting practice with purpose.

Dr Rohit Chobe – PhD in Meditation | Sound & Mantra Teacher | Founder

Born in Haridwar, the sacred city by the Ganges, Dr. Rohit Chobe grew up in a deeply spiritual environment that naturally nurtured his path toward yoga and sound. Guided by his father, he began studying Sanskrit and devotional chants at an early age, developing a deep reverence for the power of sacred sound.

Since the age of 12, he has been practicing yoga and classical Indian singing, weaving both into a holistic approach that unites breath, vibration, and consciousness. His teachings integrate the traditional wisdom of mantra and raga with the healing essence of modern sound practices – helping students discover harmony within themselves through voice and music.

This course welcomes everyone – beginners, yoga practitioners, musicians, or simply lovers of sound.

It’s perfect for you if you:

• Have always wanted to learn harmonium or devotional singing
• Wish to experience sound as meditation and healing
• Want to overcome fear of expressing your voice
• Are a yoga teacher or healer looking to integrate chanting into your practice
• Simply seek peace, creativity, and inspiration in Rishikesh
  

No musical background is needed – just curiosity and an open heart.

Your stay at Anandmaya Retreat is designed to nurture both comfort and peace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your inner journey. Nestled in the serene foothills of Tapovan, Rishikesh, the retreat is surrounded by lush mountains, pure Himalayan air, and the soothing sounds of nature.
Our rooms are clean, spacious, and thoughtfully designed to offer simplicity with warmth – ideal for relaxation after your daily practice. You can choose between private or shared accommodations, each with attached bathrooms, hot water, and daily housekeeping for a pleasant and hygienic stay.
The retreat also features peaceful garden areas, meditation spaces, and well-equipped yoga halls complete with harmoniums, mats, and all necessary facilities to support your learning and chanting sessions. Every corner of the space radiates calmness, making it the perfect environment for music, mantra, and mindfulness.

At Anandmaya Retreat, food is considered a sacred part of your spiritual practice. Each meal is freshly prepared with love, mindfulness, and sattvic ingredients to nourish your body and uplift your energy. You’ll enjoy three wholesome vegetarian meals daily, crafted to support your harmonium learning, meditation, and chanting sessions.
Our menu includes seasonal vegetables, lentils, fresh salads, soups, herbal teas, and fruits, along with a light Indian-style breakfast and nutritious lunch and dinner. Every dish is balanced, flavorful, and designed to maintain inner clarity and calm. The retreat follows a pure vegetarian, caffeine-free lifestyle, helping you purify your mind and body while staying aligned with the yogic way of living.

After 7 days, you’ll leave with:

• Confidence to play harmonium and chant simple mantras
  
• A heart full of joy, peace, and gratitude
  
• A deeper understanding of Bhakti Yoga and sound meditation
  
• Friendships and soulful memories from fellow participants
  
• Tools to continue your daily practice at home
  

You’ll also receive a Certificate of Participation from Anandmaya Retreat as a token of your musical and spiritual growth

• Experienced and friendly Bhakti and sound teachers
  
• Serene Himalayan surroundings near the River Ganga
  
• Personalized attention in small class sizes
  
• Combination of music, meditation, and philosophy
  
• Safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching environment
  
• Opportunities for deeper spiritual exploration through yoga and sound healing
  

At Anandmaya Retreat, learning happens through love, laughter, and devotion. Every session is filled with sincerity, joy, and connection – making it one of the most inspiring harmonium and chanting retreats in Rishikesh.

• Harmonium and vocal lessons from experienced Bhakti musicians
  
• Guided mantra chanting and Kirtan sessions
  
• Daily meditations, reflection, and group practice
  
• Deep spiritual insights into the Yoga of Sound (Nada Yoga)
  
• A nurturing environment where learning feels joyful, not pressured
  

Each day builds upon the previous one, allowing your confidence and connection to grow naturally