At the 400-acre Joshua Tree Retreat Center, the energy was buzzing. With live kirtan performances on two soundstages literally 24/7, yoga classes practically around the clock at two indoor and two outdoor locations, and a steady stream of illuminating talks in a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed chapel, there was something for everybody, all the time. The only frustration was not being able to do it all. 
The second annual BhaktiFest over the very long—but clearly not long enough—weekend of September 7–12 was tangible testament to the growth of the yoga community not only in L.A., but from points near and far.
This high desert celebration drew many out-of-towners and was even larger than in the preceding year. The organizers ran a tight ship so that eager listeners never had to wait too long between sets. And sign-ups for the hottest yoga teachers meant a guaranteed place in the session of your choice.
From babies to elders, several thousand people turned out to soak up asanas, sun and sounds in joyful celebration with the yoga community.
Photo credits from top, left to right:
Mario Covic, Paul Andrews, Julianne Reynolds, Abigail Lewis, Julianne Reynolds, Abigail Lewis, Mario Covic, Julianne Reynolds
