Living Bhakti Festival
Celebrating Bhakti-Yoga In the Northwest
September 13th – 16th, 2024
You Are Warmly Invited!
Join us for a three-day, three-night celebration nestled in the enchanting forests of the Pacific Northwest, along the confluence of the Bull Run and Sandy Rivers just outside Portland, Oregon.
Our Theme this Year
This immersive event is designed to honor the profound legacy of the great Bhakti-yoga master (acharya), Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, marking his 186th appearance day. This festival offers attendees the opportunity to explore his vast body of literature, his songs, and his other monumental contributions to the Bhakti tradition.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of bhakti-yoga or a newcomer, you will find inspiration and insight on your spiritual journey.
All are welcome.
Guest Speakers
Our esteemed guest speakers are not only wise and kind mentors but also devoted disciples and grand disciples of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja. They bring with them a wealth of spiritual wisdom, practical experience, and deep compassion, all drawn from years of dedicated practice and guidance under these revered spiritual masters.
VIP Virtual Keynote Speaker
Srimati Syamarani dasi
Syamarani dasi, also known as Jadurani dasi, is a renowned Bhakti Art painter and one of the most prominent and stalwart teachers of bhakti-yoga in modern times. She is a revered spiritual guide and leader, currently based in Miami, Florida, where she has established an ashram and bhakti art gallery. Syamarani dasi is an early disciple of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, and she is a prominent student of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja. In 2018, she received the Humanitarian Award from Deepak Chopra at the Bhakti-Fest for her exceptional devotional art — spanning over five decades and touching millions of lives around the world, and for her efforts to alleviate suffering through the teachings of bhakti yoga.
Prasadam
9 Gourmet Vegetarian Meals
Throughout the festival, attendees will be nourished with nine gourmet vegetarian meals prepared with love and devotion to delight your taste buds and support your spiritual growth.
We are blessed to have conscious catering by our experienced team, serving a diverse range of lovingly offered vegetarian dishes inspired by traditional Indian cuisine and various flavors from around the world. This weekend coincides with Ekadasi and Vamana-dvadasi (two very sacred days on the Vaisnava calendar), and our expert team will craft sumptuous Ekadasi dishes to honor these auspicious days.
Kirtan
Join us for soulful kirtan sessions with Manjari Dasi, Govardhana-dhari das, and friends as they guide us through transformative devotional chanting and prayers. Community members will also have the opportunity to lead, creating a rich, shared experience of connection and devotion. Come and immerse yourself in the joyous and uplifting vibrations!
Daily Schedule
(Detailed Schedule will be released in a few weeks)
Each day will be enriched with kirtan and hari-katha talks — held in the morning, noon, and evening programs — providing a soulful rhythm to our gathering.
Choose from a selection of additional workshops and yoga sessions throughout the day, or explore the forest for peaceful walks to deepen your personal practice and connection.
Come and be part of this unique opportunity to honor Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s rich heritage, surrounded by nature and a community of like-minded souls on the path of bhakti-yoga.
Accommodations
Spacious Shared Cabins
Spacious, ashram/dorm style cabins shared with up to 6 people each. Cabins feature modern comforts of air conditioning, heating, and shared bathroom facilities. Separate buildings for the men’s and women’s ashrams.
Family or Friend Group
If you’re interested in renting an entire cabin for your family or friend group, please contact us for further details at: admin@rupasanatana.org
Day Visit
If you’d only like to attend for a day, please contact us for further details at: admin@rupasanatana.org
Location
Our inaugural Living Bhakti Festival will be held at Camp Namanu, located near Mount Hood outside of Sandy, Oregon. Nestled on 552 acres of forested land at the confluence of the Bull Run and Sandy Rivers, the camp provides a serene and natural setting. In early September, autumn begins with a golden blush, creating the perfect atmosphere for deepening your bhakti practice and connecting with a like-minded community.
Camp Namanu
10300 SE Camp Namanu Rd,
Sandy, OR 97055
United States
Registration
Special Needs and Considerations
It is our honor to serve you during your stay, and we aim to make you as comfortable as possible. We will do our level-best to accommodate any special needs you might have.
Contact: admin@rupasanatana.org
We’d like to inform you that the minimum age limit for this retreat is 14 years old, and in accordance with venue policy, all minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have a special request or circumstance that may warrant an exception, we encourage you to reach out. We’ll be more than happy to discuss options with you.
Sponsorships
Giving: Please consider making a donation to help sponsor flowers, attendees in need, and pranami (offerings) for our esteemed guest speakers. No amount is too small or too big — give from your heart.
Giving from the heart in service to the Supreme Lord is more than just philanthropy, it is a spiritual practice benefitting both the giver and the receiver. Its transcendental effects ripple throughout our communities and help transform lives.
Receiving: Your presence matters! Please join us regardless of your budget. Kindly reach out to us if you are in need of partial sponsorship.
Contact: admin@rupasanatana.org
Photo Gallery
Directions & Transportation
Address
Camp Namanu
10300 SE Camp Namanu Rd,
Sandy, OR 97055
United States
By Car
- From Portland, OR:
- Head east on I-84 E/US-30 E from Portland.
- Take exit 16 toward Wood Village.
- Merge onto NE 238th Dr.
- Continue onto SE 242nd Dr.
- Turn right onto US-26 E/SE Orient Dr.
- Turn left onto SE Camp Namanu Rd.
- Follow SE Camp Namanu Rd for about 3 miles to the venue.
- Parking:
- On-site parking is available. Follow the signs and the instructions from parking attendants upon arrival.
By Rideshare or Taxi
- Use your preferred rideshare app (Uber, Lyft, etc.) or call a local taxi service.
- Provide the driver with the venue address: 10300 SE Camp Namanu Rd, Sandy, OR 97055.
By Public Transportation
- From Portland:
- Take the MAX Blue Line light rail towards Gresham.
- Get off at the Gresham Transit Center.
- Transfer to the Sandy Area Metro (SAM) bus, Route 5 towards Sandy.
- Get off at the Sandy Transit Center.
- From the Sandy Transit Center, you will need a taxi or rideshare service for the remaining 8-mile journey to the camp.
From the Airport (PDX)
- Take the MAX Red Line light rail towards Portland.
- Get off at the Gateway / NE 99th Ave. TC MAX Station.
- Walk down the platform to find the MAX Blue Line light rail towards Gresham.
- Follow the directions in the section titled, “By Public Transportation.”
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Plan Ahead: Check traffic conditions and public transportation schedules in advance.
- Weather Considerations: The Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and be prepared for rain.
- Stay Safe: Follow all road signs and drive safely, especially on winding forest roads.