Uttarāyaṇa
Winter Solstice
December 21st, 2026
For thousands of years, human beings have marked this day: the darkest turning of the year, when the shortening of the days finally ends and light begins its return. The Winter Solstice is both an astronomical moment and an ancient human celebration of renewal, hope, and the beginning of another cycle.
At Sat Manav, we celebrate this turning through Yoga, meditation, sacred ceremony, fire, food, and gathering. Along the way, guests are introduced to Ṛta—the Yogic understanding of the natural order that moves through the seasons, the living world, and our own lives—and explore what it means to live in greater relationship with it.
As evening falls in the mountains of Maine, we gather around sacred fire to mark the turning itself: the longest night, the return of longer days, and the beginning of a new solar cycle.
Main Event · Monday, December 21
Celebration begins the evening of the 20th!
Time · 9am – 9pm
Join us for the day, or extend your stay with an overnight before or after the celebration.
Donation
Full Day · $108
Half Day · $54
Full Day + Overnight · $180
Meals
Celebratory meals are included.
See schedule below for details.
Overnight Stay
Stay with us in one of our guest accommodations.
Questions
Text or call Jaya at 207-578-8227
YOGIC PRACTICE
The Practice of Turning Inward
Explore Āsana and Prāṇāyāma through the Yogic principle of Pratyāhāra—the conscious drawing of attention inward. At the darkest point of the year, practice becomes an opportunity to quiet external distraction and rediscover the stillness within.
WINTER EXPERIENCE
Snowshoe Pradakṣiṇā
Journey by snowshoe through the quiet winter forest, following the Ashram’s sacred circuit from shrine to shrine. Movement, silence, and the snow-covered landscape come together as a walking meditation on the longest day of darkness.
SACRED CEREMONY
Solstice Yajña
Gather around the sacred fire as night falls for the ancient practice of mantra and offering. At the great turning of the year, fire becomes a living symbol of what the Solstice has marked for humanity across time: light held within darkness and the beginning of its return.
Winter Solstice Schedule
Monday, December 21
9:00 AM · Traditional Yoga — Turning Inward
Āsana and Prāṇāyāma centered on quieting the senses, grounding the body, and gathering attention inward.
10:00 AM · Juice, Smoothies & Welcome
Gather over fresh juice and smoothies for an introduction to the Ashram and the meaning of the Solstice observance.
10:45 AM · Snowshoe Pradakṣiṇā
Journey through the winter forest by snowshoe, following the Ashram’s sacred circuit in guided walking meditation.
12:00 PM · Celebratory Vegan Feast
A warming plant-based lunch shared together in the meditative quiet of the Ashram.
12:45 PM · Sevā — Caring for the Sacred Library
Spend the early afternoon tending the sacred books of the Lingam Temple—a quiet practice of service, care, and preservation.
3:00 PM · Traditional Sauna & Winter Tea
Warm deeply in our wood-fired sauna, followed by hot tea and rest as the brief Solstice daylight begins to disappear.
4:00 PM · The Turning of the Light
Explore the ancient significance of the Winter Solstice and what this great seasonal threshold can teach us about darkness, stillness, and renewal.
5:00 PM · Celebratory Vegan Feast
Gather for an abundant evening meal as we enter the longest night of the year.
7:00 PM · Winter Solstice Yajña
Gather around the sacred fire for mantra and offering, marking the great turning of the season and the gradual return of light.
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, winter appropriate foot-ware, ice grippers (“cleats”), a water bottle, and a bathing suit, towel, change of clothes and flashlight for the sauna.
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 the Winter Solstice
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.