Hour 1

7-8am AEST

Festival Opening

Class Description:

Jen will open the Festival from Bridport, Tasmania, Australia with ceremony and sunrise.

Song keeper and medicine song writer, Emma Lowe will share mantra and songs opening our voices and hearts to heal our world in our opening ceremony.

Working with the vibratory frequency of sound through chanting Sanskrit words and song can shift our energy and can allow us to connect to deeper, collective currents. With intention we can send these vibratory frequencies outward as a heartfelt prayer for India at this time.

Mantra,  “man,” which means mind, and “tra,” which means tool is an ancient Eastern practice that when chanted, whispered, or silently recited, is a powerful meditation and therapy tool.

Emma Lowe

Emma Lowe is a Tantra Yoga and Embodiment Teacher, Menstrual Health and Sexuality Coach and Educator. Founder of Essential Nature Yoga and Creative Director and teacher trainer with Yoga School Somah Journeys and the School of Sacred Arts.

Born and bred in the North of Ireland, Emma blends Celtic spirituality with her extensive training around the world in Eastern mysticism and cutting edge research and science. Emma is dedicated to helping people understand and embrace their bodies, unlock their authentic expression and unapologetically unleash their wild, sensual, earthy nature to live a life they love.

Follow her on Instagram.

Jen Barron

Jen has been living life between India and Australia since 1989 and was moved by the current situation in India to put this Festival together. She is friends with Sister Lucy (the founder of Maher) and a passionate supporter of the work of this amazing organisation that she has seen first hand making a huge difference in India. Jen currently lives in Bridport, Tasmania and teaches Yoga, is studying massage and works in her local community to inspire others on their own journey of transformation.

Hour 2

8-9am AEST

Yin Yoga

Class Description:

Through this hour-long Yin practice we will focus on creating space from within – through the deeper layers of our physical body by relaxing into different postures, as well as through our mind by learning to be with what is, in the moment, cultivating mindful awareness.

Eva Joan

My introduction to the intricate realm of the body-mind complex started when I took my first yoga class at age 15 – deeply touched by the calming and opening effects of the practice on my body & mind, I have been practicing ever since.

Throughout the years, I’ve explored different styles of yoga and had the privilege to learn from wonderful teachers such as Kristen Boddington, Glenn Ceresoli, Simon Borg-Olivier and Bianca Machliss of Yoga Synergy, Sarah Powers and Tina Nance. I became certified with the School Of Sacred Arts in 2013 (RYT 200) and have been teaching since.

In addition to yoga, I was also interested in the healing arts and so at 19, with a lust for travel, I moved from my native France to Australia, where I studied Herbal Medicine and a range of tactile therapies for 4 years.

After completing my studies, I travelled through South-East Asia to West Africa, Europe, North America and Mexico, broadening my view of the world. Upon returning to Australia, I decided to take my interest in the mysteries of pregnancy and birth and become a Doula (and a Mum!) A journey that has brought me to tears many times – tears of joy for being given the opportunity to share the most precious and intimate moment in a woman’s life.

My approach to life and healing stems from my belief that we are all made up of many layers: physical, emotional, mental and energetic – which all need to be communicating to each other harmoniously, so we can live conscious & healthy lives.

As a yoga teacher, herbalist & body worker, I am passionate about the connection between body & mind & how they affect each other. I am constantly amazed by the infinite intelligence of the body & its innate capacity for balance & healing. I have been practicing Yoga for the last 25 years and I never tire of how profound an effect it can have on people’s lives, by allowing & fostering a better connection between body & mind.

It is with deep gratitude & commitment that I wish to share the gifts of yoga & living a life of balance.

Hour 3

9-10am AEST

YinYasa

Class Description:

Beck will be offering a YinYasa class – a fusion of yin and yang, incorporating the breath, mantra, asana and yoga nidra. You will feel inspired, connected and realigned after your journey with Beck.

Beck Hall

Beck is a passionate, intuitive and gentle teacher. She offers creative and inspiring classes, suitable for all levels.

Hour 4

10-11am AEST

Slow Flow

Class Description:

In this calming Slow Flow yoga class, we will connect our breath with our movements. As we move slowly through several asanas, we take time to refine our movements and keep connected with our breath.

Christa Ochocki

for me, yoga means unity and community. unity with yourself and connection with others, creating an awesome community. i started my own yoga practice to connect with my body and mind. yoga has helped me nurture and replenish my energy and soul.

i finished my yoga teacher training last year. i want to support others to nurture their own minds, bodies and souls!

Hour 5

11am-12pm AEST

Meditation

Class Description:

Meditation can be elusive. In this class, Chocolako will guide us through some pranayama techniques that regulate the breath and help us to effectively settle and calm the mind in preparation for meditation. If you are an experienced meditation practitioner or it’s your first time, Chocolako’s warm and inviting style will have you accessing a meditative state sooner than you imagine.

Chocolako

Meet Chocolako, a global nomad devoted to yoga, meditation, infinite mindset and love. Her heritage is Nigerian, while her outlook is world wide. In the past 10 years, Chocolako has traveled across the world and lived on three continents – Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia – facilitating retreats, leading teacher trainings and helping clients breakthrough trauma, stress and anxiety with her school, Yoga Innergy. As a wellness lifestyle coach, her mission is to inspire the pursuit of power and purpose, connect with many hearts, and walk with many shoes. Every day she wakes up with two goals: 1) less force 2) more flow.

Connect with her at yogainnergy.com and @Chocolako on all social media platforms.

Hour 6

12-1pm AEST

Beyond Asana – The Philosophy of Yoga

Class Description:

Yoga Philosophy just seems so much! How about talking about yoga from a 360 degree view? Anyone who has ever stepped onto a yoga mat for a practice has felt that there was something different in the set of movements, the asanas! Come listen to Jen and I give context to what you have known within you all along, you have felt in every delicious class you have attended…that yoga holds the key to healing, expression, building community, living a life of truth and finally love. It is asanas, it is breathwork, it is also a lot more!

Topics we will touch: Patanjali: Who is this guy?, 8 limbs of yoga, how to apply an ancient wisdom to our current life

Kashmira Mody

Kashmira Mody has been offering coaching and organisation strategy services and creating tools for self-discovery and growth since 2006. Everything she shares with others comes from her life experience – her successes, her struggles, her insights, her joys and sorrows! Kashmira lives in Pune, India and is a Yogini who lives her life connected with the ancient philosophy of Yoga adapted to life in modern India.

Hour 7

1-2pm AEST

Chair Yoga

Class Description:

My Chair Yoga session is a seated flowing practice of pranayama play, joint mobilisation, mind opening co-ordination fun, slow flow shapes to open and release.

Welcome to bendy joy while you sit and use the chair to support your moves.

We finish with a guided relaxation which you can do seated or lying down (where its nice to use the chair to support your lower legs).

Martine de Lacy

Hi I’m Martine de Lacy and I live on the sublime island of Tasmania. I like to call myself a yoga journey guide as that is how I see my role. We all have a magical and miraculous, constantly evolving, universe inside us and yoga is a perfect vehicle for exploring it.

I am in my happy place when guiding people to this place inside, using breath, movement and shapes, affirmations and imagery, to connect, play and create.

Hour 8

2-3pm AEST

Nia

Class Description:

Nia is a grounded, empowering and fun movement class for body, mind, emotions and spirit. Set to a variety of world music Nia promotes fitness, mental health, self-healing and balance. A unique mix of dance arts, martial arts and healing arts – a Nia class is bliss for the soul! Beginning with gentle warm-up moves to awaken the body, followed by more cardio movement, then some cooling down moves to finish. Dance with an open heart and let your spirit soar. Experience Nia movement, music, magic!

Hayley Crawford

Her love of movement, wellbeing and self-expression has led Hayley Crawford to follow the path of embodiment. She has been teaching Nia for 3 years in Northern Tasmania, Australia. Hayley has a background in psychology, art, dance and energy healing. Passionate about our connection to ourselves, the natural world and community has recently propelled Hayley to embark on a shamanic path involving dance, nature & song. The power of love and transformation is what drives her to explore and grow.

Hour 9

3-4pm AEST

Vinyasa

Class Description:

Join us on the mat and come journeying. A dynamic, energising and fun class that will move energy and shift mood. Smoothly connecting breath and movement in a physical practice that will also still the mind. Cant wait to feel you virtually across the timezones, around the world – Come exactly as you!

Tania Mendes

“Feeling 100% honoured and giddy to be part of this fundraiser. Teaching from a small rock in the English Channel – Please do join all the classes that call to you and support Maher and their incredible work. The world needs us all. Intention of good vibes, conscious connection and global solidarity in action 💜”

Tânia is an activist, communicator and yoga teacher. Believing that yoga is an enabler and for every body. Feeling that time on the mat and in movement provides a space for self discovery, exploration, connection and clarity. Having felt and seen the impact and benefits of showing up, even when not feeling like it, resulting in nourishment, bliss and feeling more oneself and embodied. Being more you.

With a strong focus on movement with breath – asana practice (postures) are accompanied with a strong musical beat to harmonise breath, body, heart and mind. Tânia has trained in the Ashtanga-inspired Rocket system and brings with it an extra layer of playfulness from a background in dance and the arts. With abundant gratitude and respect to the teachers past and present for accompanying and guiding her journey.

Hour 10

4-5pm AEST

Traditional Hatha Yoga

Class Description:

In this traditional Hatha class you will experience the calm, grounded approach to Yoga that is a way of life for many Indians.

Kirti Jhaveri

Kirti Jhaveri has been teaching Yoga for many years in Pune, India. Her passion for Yoga extends to her everyday work alongside patients in a Pune hospital who benefit from the Yogic style rope and belt therapy that she teaches and shares.

Zumba – Bollywood Style

Class Description:

Get ready for fun! Uzma will lead us in an energetic Bollywood style Zumba class.

Uzma Khan

Uzma Khan lives in Pune, India and is the Guest Services Coordinator at Sangam World Centre. Alongside her Guest Services role she shares her culture with guests at the Centre through dance.

Hour 11

5-6pm AEST

What’s Happening in India

Class Description:

An update about what’s happening ‘on the ground’ in India. Mina will share her personal situation and an update from local community partners (including Maher). There will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Minakshi Jadhav

Mina is currently the Deputy World Centre Manager of Sangam World Centre in Pune, India. She has primary responsibility for the Centre’s engagement with over 20 Community Partner organisations across the city of Pune including Maher. Mina lives in Pune with her family and is on the committee for her housing society.

How to Cook the Best Dhal in the World

Class Description:

Kamini will walk us through the process of making dhal and rice. She’ll also let us know the benefits of eating this nutritious food! Kamini is a magician with spices and you’ll learn how to combine them to make this dish and the application of spice combinations across Indian cooking.

Kamini Jhaveri

Kamini Jhaveri belongs to a family that genuinely expresses hospitality to everyone who enters their home from many nations of the world over more than 30 years. She is a fabulous cook and a great teacher having been a Principal for many years in schools in Pune, India.

Hour 12

6-7pm AEST

Kirtan

Class Description:

Kirtan is a devotional practice within Bhakti Yoga combining mantra and music. This is a practice accessible to all where the main feeling is devotion. It’s through this practice of singing ancient Sanskrit Mantras we collectively raise our vibrations, showering the world with peace and love.

Audrey and Chris’ love of chanting and playing music encourages others to open their hearts and free their voices, awakening more Bliss and Joy in all of us.

Audrey & Chris Sarquilla

Audrey and Chris Sarquilla live in Bali where they lead Kirtan and Bhakti Yoga Trainings to international students. They also own White Peacock Yoga School, a Bhakti Vinyasa Yoga Alliance Accredited school, founded in 2013. Audrey and Chris are native Californians and owned a yoga shala for several years in Encinitas, San Diego. Learn more about their online and in-person trainings at audreysarquilla.com.

Hour 13

7-8pm AEST

Durga the Warrior

Class Description:

I’m training in Hatha yoga so my session will start with some gentle stretches building up to the warrior pose using the story of the Hindu female warrior and goddess Durga who is associated with protection and strength.

Lisa Nesbit

Yoga has been a part of my life for 25 years and Sangam has been in my heart for 7 of those years. It was during my first visit to Sangam that I encountered Maher and saw the work they do to support the most vulnerable people of Pune. I can only imagine how incredibly difficult it must be during the pandemic and I’ve been given the opportunity to help in a small way.

I’ve recently started training as a yoga teacher and whilst my course is a year, I know it will be a life long journey to keep learning and practicing.

As an actress, I’m all about the story telling so if you’d like to join my session to raise money for Maher then I’d be honoured to have you there to discover the warrior that lives within us all.

Hour 14

8-9pm AEST

Kundalini Flow Fusion

Class Description:

This kundalini-flow fusion will promote vitality and clear through blockages with cleansing kriyas, breathwork and a creative, invigorating flow.

Lisa Comode

Lisa is a 1000RYT yoga teacher, trained in vinyasa, yin, kundalini and traditional tantra across India, South America, Bali and London. 

She describes her classes as a fusion of styles with an emphasis on yogic philosophy. As a mindfulness meditation coach and relaxation therapist, she integrates the mind-body-spirit.

Lisa also studied shamanism and cosmology, and is an ecstatic dance DJ and facilitator.

Hour 15

9-10pm AEST

Bhakti Bash!

Class Description:

A non dogmatic, spirit filled Vinyasa Flow practice creatively woven to Bhakti Inspired Beats. Be prepared to sweat, sing, laugh and when the spirit moves, dance! Let us be in the bhav, as we cultivate the BHAKTI LOVE!

ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

Tymi Howard

INSPIRING PEOPLE TO DISCOVER THEIR LIFE’S PURPOSE THROUGH THE ART OF YOGA

TYMI HOWARD 500 E-RYT is an International Yoga Teacher, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Owner of Guruv Yoga Studios in the United States. Pioneering the Vinyasa and Yin Yoga movement not only in Central Florida, but throughout mainland China, Asia, and Indonesia. Tymi is dedicated to inspiring people to discover their life’s purpose through the art of yoga. Her introduction to yoga began in NYC in 1993 as a professional ballet dancer with several nagging injuries and she found her way into an Ashtanga class. Receiving her BA in Theatre and Dance from Rollins College and Masters Degree from NYU/ Circle in the Square, and too many Yoga Teacher Trainings to list, she considers herself to be a “professional student.”

Tymi is known in the yoga community as a “Teacher of Teachers” and a skillful graceful practitioner. Students fall in love with her dynamic, playful style of teaching, artistic sequencing and music! Self-proclaimed travel junky, blogger and animal rights advocate, she is a lover of God, Life and Yoga. Tymi is forever a student and grateful to all of her teachers, students, and family who continue to inspire! You can join Tymi in person around the globe for one of her Yoga Alliance Certified Trainings, Workshops, Retreats or at a conference and festival or virtually for Live-Streamed / On-Demand Classes, Workshops and Teacher Trainings at www.tymihowardyoga.com.

Hour 16

10-11pm AEST

Festival Closing

Class Description:

A collective closing to our Online Yoga Festival for India. Jen will give us an update about the impact of coming together to participate in this Festival and then Emma will lead us in Yoga Nidra.

Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice where you get to lie down and go on a journey from wakefulness into dreamtime, through deep restorative rest and beyond. Translated as “yogic sleep”, this practice has been referred to as “mindfulness on steroids”. Studies have shown Yoga Nidra to have profound health and healing benefits.

Emma Lowe will offer a closing Wild Yoga Nidra practice guide us through ever deepened layers of restfulness. The power of presence and intention, when worked with correctly, creates deep healing shifts. Full, felt sense visualisation and belief, can plant a seed so deep within the subconscious mind and create enough resonance within the body to establish new neural pathways and ways of being with ripple effects far beyond the self actualisation.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer, let’s dream to change the world together.

Emma Lowe

Emma Lowe is a Tantra Yoga and Embodiment Teacher, Menstrual Health and Sexuality Coach and Educator. Founder of Essential Nature Yoga and Creative Director and teacher trainer with Yoga School Somah Journeys and the School of Sacred Arts.

Born and bred in the North of Ireland, Emma blends Celtic spirituality with her extensive training around the world in Eastern mysticism and cutting edge research and science. Emma is dedicated to helping people understand and embrace their bodies, unlock their authentic expression and unapologetically unleash their wild, sensual, earthy nature to live a life they love.

Follow her on Instagram.

Jen Barron

Jen has been living life between India and Australia since 1989 and was moved by the current situation in India to put this Festival together. She is friends with Sister Lucy (the founder of Maher) and a passionate supporter of the work of this amazing organisation that she has seen first hand making a huge difference in India. Jen currently lives in Bridport, Tasmania and teaches Yoga, is studying massage and works in her local community to inspire others on their own journey of transformation.