Raglan has become a buzzing hive of eclectic health and wellbeing practices–so it only makes sense that the upcoming Soul Safari will make its way over the divvy. The family oriented, community spirited festival focuses on skill sharing and is set to take place in Raglan April 1-3 at the Old School Arts Centre.
The not-for-profit event was started in Whangamata a few years ago and has been held in other parts of the North Island. Organisers, Venu Krsna Das and Asta Siddhi Das hope to create a permanent home for Soul Safari here in Raglan.
The event is focused on bringing people together, giving the locals an opportunity to experience what is available within the community.
Soul Safari will offer various workshops and classes taught by local teachers over the three days, including: yoga nidra, aroma therapy, meditation workshops, fermentation, a rongoā Māori workshop, a workshop for building a home yoga practice, cooking classes and more. There will be kirtan each night and vedic music meditation. A vegetarian lunch and dinner will be included in the ticket price.
Anyone who turns up is welcome to offer a workshop featuring whatever skills they would like to share.
Soul Safari also includes open events for anyone to attend. Friday night will be a yoga session and movie feature with Mystic India. Sunday evening there will be a haven fire ceremony with a chanting of ancient vedic mantras to close the festival. The public is also invited to join in the evening kirtans each night of the festival.
“Most people who have these skills don’t necessarily make big businesses out of it, so this is a way of giving them the opportunity to share,” said Venu Krsna Das.
One of the goals of Soul Safari is to connect the community with each other, so they can continue to work together outside of the festival. “We hope to create community awareness and ability,” said Asta Siddhi Das.
Early Bird tickets will be on sale though March 27 for $60. Full price tickets will be $90. Tickets are on sale at Three Little Birds. Follow the Soul Safari Raglan community on Facebook for an updated timetable of workshops. If you are interested in teaching a workshop or class, contact Venu Krsna Das at waynosbonsais@gmail.com.
Karamea Puriri
