Your Hosts

Vallabhdas is most comfortable barefoot in Braj and speaks the national and local languages of Hindi and Brajbhasha about as well as any foreigner could hope to. He lived as a spiritual pilgrim in India for the better part of 12 years, earning his masters degree studying Asian Languages and Literature at the University of Washington. Vallabhdas was an assistant and co-translator for the late kirtan singer and bhakta, Shyamdas, and is a disciple of Shri Milan Goswami, guru in the 500 year-old nondual bhakti lineage known as the Path of Grace or Pushti Marg. Val has a deep passion for singing kirtan and poetry, particularly in the classical style of Haveli Sangeet. He has hosted and led bhakti tours in India for 5 years. Val organized and taught an online course in the poetic language of Brajbhasha and has offered workshops in the Sanskrit language, various Sanskrit texts and other topics at bhakti festivals and yoga studios.

Madan Mohan, a native of Krishna’s hometown of Gokul, served at the side of the western bhakta Shyamdas for nearly 40 years, assuring guests from Sting to Christie Turlington to Shyamdas’ family and friends were comfortable, safe, inspired and well-fed. He is excited to offer you the same. Mohan has traveled widely with westerners on tour throughout Rajasthan. His cooking (a mixture of western tastes, local ingredients, ancient tradition and a whole lot of love) is legendary.

Jenna Faith (800-hr certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher; BA, Biology; BFA, Fashion Design) received her 300 hr Jivamukti teacher training in May, 2013 and completed her 800 hr certification the following year after an intensive continuing education apprenticeship with Jessica Stickler. She decided to delve full time into a teaching career and for 4 years taught yoga classes at multiple studios in New York City and New Jersey. She has also enjoyed opportunities to teach workshops and at festivals internationally, most recently at Prague Spirit Festival. Jenna’s classes, workshops, corporate classes and private sessions are always personalized for any level of practitioner, with special attention to their needs, alignment, and the growth of the student’s personal practice. Her complex, dynamically sequenced classes are set to an invigorating and uplifting soundtrack. Jenna has co-facilitated three India retreats and has produced bhakti festivals and events.