The Bhakti Center
Peace in Body, Peace in Mind, Peace in Spirit
A Sanctuary for Wellbeing, Wisdom & Discovery
A new partnership between Villa Roma Resort and ISKCON
Villa Roma Resort is delighted to announce its partnership with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to establish The Bhakti Center: an evolving destination for holistic wellbeing, cultural enrichment, intellectual exploration and the traditions of Bhakti Yoga.
While plans for the Center’s dedicated home take shape, Villa Roma will begin introducing its programming at venues across the resort. These experiences invite guests and visitors to discover yoga, meditation, breathwork, spiritual kirtan and chanting, alongside engaging conversations about preventive medicine, philosophy, mindfulness and conscious living.
Rooted in the traditions of Bhakti Yoga and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and beliefs, the programme creates space for learning, reflection, music and meaningful connection in the natural surroundings of the Catskills.
VIEW INAUGURAL PROGRAMME
The Experience Begins
Inaugural Programme
Dr. Askikkumar Raval, MD
Dr. Raval brings a physician’s perspective to preventive medicine and the place of yoga, meditation, breathwork and mindful movement in everyday wellbeing.
Keshav Raval
At 22, Keshav Raval balances his pursuits as an entrepreneur and competitive cricketer with a lifelong connection to Bhakti Yoga. Raised in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, he has come to appreciate how its teachings extend far beyond spiritual practice, shaping the way he approaches his work, relationships and everyday life. Alongside his interests in cricket and healthcare, Keshav finds joy in sharing kirtan as a way of bringing people together, and hopes to make this ancient practice accessible to all.
Prahlad Raval
Prahlad Raval is a 22-year-old kirtan artist, medical student and researcher who has been immersed in the tradition of Bhakti Yoga since childhood. Having begun singing kirtan at the age of five, he has been deeply influenced by his teachers, Shyam Das and Bada Hari Das. Rooted in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition yet welcoming to all, his gatherings create a space to reconnect with ourselves and one another through the uplifting practice of mantra meditation.
What is Kirtan
Mantra. Music. Presence.
Kirtan is an ancient form of musical meditation rooted in the traditions of Bhakti Yoga. It brings people together through melody, rhythm and the repetition of traditional mantras, often in a call-and-response format.
Participants may sing along, listen quietly or simply absorb the music. The shared rhythm and repetition invite moments of stillness, joy, mindfulness and connection. Kirtan is both a devotional tradition and an accessible opportunity to experience music as a contemplative practice.
No musical ability, prior experience or particular religious belief is required. Come as you are, and take part in whatever way feels natural.
A Growing Programme
Meditation
Gentle guided practices that encourage stillness, attention and reflection.
Yoga
Mindful movement and postures suited to all bodies and levels of experience.
Breathwork
Simple, focused exercises that bring awareness to the breath.
Spiritual kirtan & chanting
Musical meditation and shared chanting rooted in the Bhakti tradition.
Wellbeing conversations
Talks with physicians and visiting teachers on preventive medicine, health and mindful living.
Philosophy & reflection
Accessible discussions exploring ancient wisdom, conscious living and everyday questions.
Our Inspiration
We draw our inspiration and guidance from the life and teachings of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who first brought the culture of Bhakti to the Western world beginning on New York’s Lower East Side.
He is widely regarded as the world’s pre-eminent exponent of the teachings and practices of Bhakti-yoga.
What is Bhakti?
Devotional Consciousness
The word Bhakti refers to the devotional spiritual consciousness that sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gita refer to as the highest stage of yoga and the true nature of the soul.
Bhakti-Yoga Practice
Bhakti-yoga refers to spiritual practices designed to bring one to devotional spiritual consciousness. It’s a way of connecting the soul with its Divine source.
The Bhakti Tradition
The Bhakti tradition refers to teachings, practices, and arts, infused with the sentiments of Bhakti that have been handed down through the generations for many centuries.
The Bhakti Center Programme Begins at Villa Roma Resort
Further sessions and weekly schedules will be shared in advance as the programme develops and the vision for its dedicated home takes shape.
“ Begin wherever you wish, and go only as far as you please. ”