Diwali
Festival of Lights
November 8th, 2026
What changes when we begin to see clearly? Diwali, the Festival of Light, celebrates one of the most enduring images in the Yogic tradition: light emerging within darkness, and the possibility of illumination within human life.
In Yoga, that light represents the movement from ignorance toward knowledge, confusion toward clarity, and limited perception toward a deeper recognition of what is true. At Sat Manav, the day brings this principle into practice through Svādhyāya—the Yogic practice of self-study.
Through teaching, guided self-inquiry, sacred ceremony, and the lighting of lamps, guests explore how patterns of the mind shape perception and learn practical ways to bring greater awareness to their own thoughts, choices, and behavior. Illumination becomes not only something we celebrate, but something we practice.
Main Event · Sunday, November 8
Opening events are on the evening of the 7th.
Time · 9am – 9pm
Come for the day, or extend the celebration with an overnight stay before or after.
Donation
Full Day · $108
Half Day · $54
Full Day + Overnight · $180
Meals
Festive meals are prepared and shared throughout the celebration.
Overnight Stay
Make a night of it and stay with us in one of our guest accommodations.
Questions
Text or call Jaya at 207-578-8227
CREATIVE PRACTICE
Kolam Workshop
Learn the traditional art of kolam, creating intricate geometric designs by hand as part of the day’s observance. The practice asks for patience, precision, and sustained attention—bringing the mind into greater order as beauty and sacred form emerge through concentrated action.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHT
Dīya Lighting
As evening falls, we light the small lamps that have come to symbolize Diwali. In Yoga, their illumination points beyond the visible flame: toward greater awareness, the clearing of what obscures perception, and the capacity to see our true purpose more clearly.
SACRED CEREMONY
Yajña Fire
Gather around the sacred fire for Yajña, an ancient Vedic practice of mantra and offering. Fire becomes both the recipient of what is offered and a symbol of transformation—turning the observance toward what we are prepared to relinquish, purify, and carry forward with greater clarity.
Schedule
9:00 AM · Āsana — Cultivating Clarity Begin with a Yoga practice designed to awaken the body, steady attention, and create greater clarity from within.
10:00 AM · Morning Juice & Smoothies Gather over fresh juice and smoothies as we welcome guests and introduce the meaning of the day ahead.
10:30 AM · Guided Pradakṣiṇā Walking Meditation Walk the Ashram’s sacred circuit through the forest, beginning the observance in movement, silence, and contemplation.
12:00 PM · Celebratory Vegan Feast Enjoy a colorful Sātvic lunch buffet prepared in celebration of the Festival of Light.
12:45 PM · Kitchen Sevā & Seasonal Work Join the life of the Ashram through shared kitchen service and seasonal work, bringing the practice of mindful action into ordinary tasks.
2:30 PM · Kolam Workshop — Sacred Art & Pattern Discover the Indian tradition of Kolam and create these intricate geometric designs traditionally made to welcome beauty, auspiciousness, and abundance.
3:30 PM · Satsaṅga & Ashram Chai Gather over warm chai for teaching and conversation exploring Dīwalī, illumination, and the Yogic practice of Svādhyāya—self-study.
5:00 PM · Celebratory Vegan Feast Share an abundant evening buffet as daylight fades and the Festival of Light begins to glow around the Ashram.
6:30 PM · Lighting the Dīyas Light traditional oil lamps throughout the Ashram, transforming the ancient symbolism of light overcoming darkness into a shared experience.
7:15 PM · Dīwalī Yajña — Yogic Fire Ceremony Gather around the sacred fire for mantra and offering, carrying the evening’s celebration of illumination into ceremony.
8:15 PM · Traditional Sauna Close the Festival of Light in the warmth and quiet of our wood-fired sauna, with time to absorb the experiences of the day.
Details
Location
Sat Manav Yoga Ashram
243 Greenwood Brook Rd
Industry, ME 04938
Please plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before your first scheduled activity. Parking is available on site. Cell service can be limited as you approach the Ashram, so we recommend loading directions before your arrival.
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing for Yoga and meditation, yoga mat, meditation cushion, warm layers appropriate to the season, walking shoes, and a water bottle. If you plan to attend the sauna, also include a bathing suit, towel, change of clothes and flashlight .
Outdoor events throughout. Please see our 7 day weather forecast here so you can plan accordingly.
Preparing for Your Visit
Sat Manav is a scent-free Ashram. Please arrive without perfume, cologne, essential oils, scented lotions, or other fragranced personal products. Guests are encouraged to dress simply and comfortably in clothing appropriate for practice, ceremony, and time outdoors.
Meals & Dietary Needs
All meals served during the observance are plant-based and included with attendance. Meals are shared in silence as part of the practice. If you have food allergies or dietary needs, please let us know when registering.
Join Us for Diwali
Spend the day with us in practice, ceremony, meditation, and celebration. Choose a full-day or half-day visit, with an overnight stay available for those who wish to extend their time at the Ashram.
Full Day · $108 | Half Day · $54 | Full Day + Overnight · $180
Questions? Text or call Jaya at 207-578-8227.