The Ananda Marga Summer Conference took place at Ananda Kanan Master Unit in Missouri from June 30 to July 7, 2026. Participants enjoyed a wide variety of programs, including a full day of Ananda Mela workshops, two RAWA cultural programs, three seminar classes, three Akhanda Kiirtanas, an outing to the Blue Spring River, and participation in the Fourth of July Independence Day parade in Willow Springs.
The weather was pleasant, with warm days and nights. Because the area had received considerable rain during the previous week, it did not become excessively hot during the conference.
The main coordinator of this year’s conference was Ac. Unmantrananda Avt. The core team also included Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt. and Avtk. Ananda Acira Ac. Many other Acaryas were deeply engaged in organizing and conducting the programs.
Avtk. Ananda Hitaprabha Ac. was in charge of the kitchen and, together with the other Acaryas, served delicious and plentiful food throughout the conference. Ac. Gunatmananda Avt. attended as a visiting Acarya, assisted with cleaning the dining hall and kitchen, and led many of the retreat’s most inspiring Kiirtanas. Ac. Madhuvrat Brc. participated and served as Kiirtana coordinator.
Avtk. Ananda Kalyanmitra Ac. coordinated transportation, while Ac. Satyamitrananda Avt. documented the event through photographs and videos. Brother Vidyadhara arrived early to assist with preparations and also professionally recorded several programs. Ac. Dhruva assisted Ac. Abhiramananda Avt. with various organizational programs.
Ac. Kovida Brc. and Brother Vishva coordinated programs for newcomers. Ac. Shiilabhadrananda Avt. coordinated the Dharma Cakras and spiritual talks. Sister Rekha and Brother Sukhadeva, together with Avtk. Ananda Acira Ac., organized the children’s program. This was one of the highlights of the conference, with the children enjoying face painting, a water slide, water bubbles, drawing, exploring the surrounding area, and many other activities.
June 30: Opening of the Conference
The conference began on June 30 with Akhanda Kiirtana, followed by the opening ceremony.
July 1: Kiirtana and Bhakti
On July 1, Ac. Unmantrananda Avt. conducted a Kiirtana workshop. He introduced the history of Kiirtana and explained its principal musical and devotional aesthetics. The workshop concluded with participants sharing their spiritual and devotional experiences during or after Kiirtana, as well as their favorite Kiirtanas.
This created an atmosphere similar to Katha Kiirtana, with short sharing sessions by Margiis and Acaryas followed by Kiirtana.
In the afternoon, Ac. Abhiramananda Avt. (SS) and Ac. Dhruva gave a class on “Bhakti Rupa Setu,” one of this year’s seminar topics. The subject is deeply devotional, and the speakers shared several Baba stories while explaining the philosophical content of the discourse. The day concluded with Avarta Kiirtana.
July 2: Ananda Mela
July 2 was dedicated to Ananda Mela, which has become one of the highlights of the Summer Conference. Participants enjoyed eight different workshops—four in the morning and four in the afternoon.
Learning, Creativity, and Inspiration at Ananda Mela
Ananda Mela offered a diverse selection of workshops exploring health, spirituality, education, creativity, agriculture, social transformation, and communication. Through discussion and practical participation, attendees could share their knowledge, discover new interests, and experience the joy of learning together.
Ayurveda with Didi A. Radhika
Didi A. Radhika introduced the principles of Ayurveda and their application in everyday life. The workshop explored how food, daily routines, rest, natural remedies, and an understanding of individual constitution can help maintain balance in body and mind. Participants were encouraged to view health holistically and to consider simple practices that support prevention, vitality, and harmony with nature.
Bhajan Circle with Devika
Devika facilitated an inclusive bhajan circle in which experienced singers and newcomers joined together in devotional song. Through simple melodies and collective ideation, participants experienced music as a spiritual practice capable of quieting the mind, opening the heart, and strengthening the feeling of unity within the group.
PROUT and Neohumanism with Madhusudana
Madhusudana introduced PROUT and Neohumanism as complementary approaches to individual and social transformation. The discussion addressed economic justice, local self-reliance, cooperation, environmental responsibility, and the rational utilization of resources. Neohumanism expanded this vision by encouraging love and concern for all human beings, animals, plants, and the entire living world.
Prabhat Saḿgiita with Mayank
Mayank led a workshop on Prabhat Saḿgiita, the collection of 5,018 spiritual songs composed by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. Participants explored the meaning, pronunciation, melody, rhythm, and spiritual ideation of selected songs. Singing together demonstrated how Prabhat Saḿgiita can awaken devotion, elevate the mind, and create a powerful atmosphere of collective harmony.
Neohumanist Education with Rekha
Rekha explored how Neohumanist Education seeks to develop the whole person—physically, intellectually, emotionally, morally, and spiritually. The workshop considered how compassion, critical thinking, creativity, universalism, and respect for nature can be cultivated through education. Participants reflected on ways these principles could be expressed through stories, art, music, nature study, cooperation, and service.
Tie-Dye with Didi Ananda Acirá
Didi Ananda Acirá led a colorful tie-dye workshop in which participants experimented with folding, binding, and applying colors to fabric. The activity created a relaxed atmosphere for creativity, conversation, and cooperation. Each finished piece developed its own distinctive pattern and became a personal remembrance of Ananda Mela.
Farming with Tushya
Tushya introduced practical approaches to healthy soil, composting, planting, and sustainable food production while encouraging a closer relationship with the land.
Nonviolent Communication with Vishnu
Vishnu shared methods for communicating honestly, listening empathetically, and resolving misunderstandings with greater awareness and respect.Together, the workshops made Ananda Mela a joyful forum for learning, personal development, and collective harmony.
July 3: Blue Spring River
On July 3, participants went on an outing to the Blue Spring River. In conference feedback forms, this excursion is consistently rated as one of the most popular parts of the program. This year, we were fortunate to have a very warm and sunny day, allowing everyone to cool off in the cold spring and river water.
People enjoyed the river in their own ways. Some swam, while others stood or sat in the cool water, talking, playing, telling jokes, spending time with the children, visiting the spring-water cave, or exploring the surrounding area. Some Acaryas enjoyed extended Sadhana while immersed in the cool water, while others remained on the riverbank, playing and enjoying Kiirtana.
After bathing, everyone joined in Kiirtana and collective noon meditation, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, the participants returned to Ananda Kanan and enjoyed Akhanda Kiirtana.
On July 4, Independence Day in the United States, conference participants joined the parade in Willow Springs with Ananda Marga Nagar Kiirtana and banners.
In the afternoon, Ac. Shiilabhadrananda Avt. gave a seminar class on “Form and Formless.” This was followed by evening Dharma Cakra, Kaosiiki and Tandava competitions, dinner, and Avarta Kiirtana.
On July 5, Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt. organized a PROUT workshop based on one of the seminar topics. He first introduced the subject and then divided the participants into four groups. Each group was asked to envision how PROUT could be implemented in different economic zones. They considered how the minimum requirements would be met, how Neohumanistic Education would be implemented, and how society as a whole would function according to PROUT and Neohumanistic principles. The groups then reconvened and shared their discussions with everyone.
That afternoon, Mayank Lal organized a RAWA program featuring the children and teenagers attending the conference. The program was very successful and was held during the daytime so that all the children, including the youngest, could participate.
A second RAWA program featuring the adults was held in the evening. Both programs were highly enjoyable and demonstrated how many hidden talents exist within our community.
July 6: Organizational Programs and Closing Ceremony
July 6 was dedicated to organizational programs. Ac. Abhiramananda Avt. led the morning session, during which Margiis and Acaryas divided into groups according to their regions and departments. They discussed their activities during the previous year and their plans for the coming year. Everyone then reconvened to share the results of their discussions. The seminar schedule was subsequently announced, together with the financial statements of the Sectorial Office and the Summer Conference. In the afternoon, Ac. Abhiramananda Avt. and Ac. Dhruva led the closing ceremony and awards presentation. That evening, a spontaneous Akhanda Kiirtana took place from 9 p.m. until midnight. It became the most inspiring Kiirtana of the retreat, with well-coordinated Hari Pari Mandala teams creating beautiful Kiirtana together.
July 7: Departure
July 7 was departure day. Following the morning Dharma Cakra, the Margiis packed and began their journeys home after six full days and two half-days of programs.
They departed with many beautiful memories and a renewed determination to work for the mission and return the following year for the annual Summer Conference.
