08/04/2026
From June 30 to July 7, 2026, Ananda Margiis, Acaryas, families, and friends gathered at Ananda Kanan Master Unit in Missouri for the annual Ananda Marga New York Sector Summer Conference.
The eight-day gathering offered a joyful balance of spiritual practice, learning, creativity, recreation, organizational planning, and community life. The program included three Akhanda Kiirtanas, collective meditation, Dharma Cakras, seminar classes, spiritual talks, a full day of Ananda Mela workshops, two RAWA cultural programs, children’s activities, and an interactive PROUT workshop.
One of the most popular activities was the outing to Blue Spring, where participants enjoyed swimming, exploring the natural surroundings, meditation, kiirtana, and a collective meal beside the river. On July 4, conference participants joined the Independence Day parade in Willow Springs with Nagar Kiirtana and Ananda Marga banners, sharing a joyful and uplifting presence with the local community.
Ananda Mela offered eight workshops covering Ayurveda, Prabhat Saḿgiita, bhajans, PROUT and Neohumanism, Neohumanist Education, tie-dye, farming, and Nonviolent Communication. The children’s program was another highlight, with face painting, drawing, water activities, nature exploration, and many opportunities for play and friendship.
The two RAWA programs revealed the remarkable creative talents within our community. Children, teenagers, and adults shared music, dance, drama, and other cultural performances in an atmosphere of encouragement and joy.
The conference concluded with organizational meetings, regional and departmental planning, an awards ceremony, and a spontaneous three-hour Akhanda Kiirtana. Participants departed with beautiful memories, renewed spiritual inspiration, and a strengthened determination to serve the mission throughout the coming year.
Heartfelt gratitude goes to Ácárya Unmantránanda Avadhúta, the principal coordinator; Ácárya Diiptimánánanda Avadhúta; Avadhútiká Ánanda Acirá Ácáryá; and all the Acaryas, volunteers, cooks, organizers, artists, teachers, children, and participants whose dedicated service made the conference possible.