A whirling dervish in white robes and a brown hat is centered in the foreground against a dark, starry background with event text.

Lila Devotional Arts

LXCL:Helps cover the costs of holding this 24‑hour journey and keeping it accessible for all. Includes: Ceremony &amp; Meals. Accommodations extra or stay on the periphery of the ceremony space

Standard Ticket

LXCL:Reserve a bed for the night of December 19th.Luxurious shared rooms, all with natural materials and thoughtful design. Male and Female rooms available.

Accommodation: Single Bed Occupancy

LXCL:Reserve a bed for 2 people for the night of December 19th.Luxurious shared rooms, all with natural materials, and thoughtful design. Shared bathrooms

Accommodation: Double Bed Occupancy

LXCL:For those who are struggling financially and need assistance in order to join this offering Includes: Ceremony &amp; Meals. Option to stay on the periphery of the ceremony space.

Supported Ticket

LXCL:Reserve a bed for 2 people for the night of December 19th in different glamping options (indicate preference at checkout, and we will do our best to accommodate)<ul class="lxcl-ul"><li class="lxcl-listItem" dir="ltr">4 x glamping bell tents</li><li class="lxcl-listItem" dir="ltr">1 x glass dome</li><li class="lxcl-listItem" dir="ltr">1 x rustic cabin</li><li class="lxcl-listItem" dir="ltr">1 x airstream </li></ul>

Accommodation: Glamping Options (Double Occupancy)

Supporter Ticket

LXCL:Includes: Ceremony &amp; Meals. Accommodations extra or stay on the periphery of the ceremony space

Kids under 12 (must be accompanied by adult)

Join us for our community's third 24 Hour Sema Sufi gathering.  This gathering will take place at AKERA retreat center in the Catskill Mountains — just 2 hours from NYC — and will be filled with uninterrupted live devotional music, whirling, poetry, and prayer, in honor of Rumi's legacy of love, unity and the journey of the soul toward divine truth. From 6pm Dec 19 to 6pm Dec 20, we will together through the longest night, inviting stillness, devotion, and light. Expect to be part of a transformational ceremony where music, movement and prayer all intertwine into a harmonious tapestry, all in a beautiful retreat space featuring a geodesic dome and 123 acres of forest. Meals and snacks are included, and very limited overnight accommodations are available at an extra cost. Featuring musicians:<div> </div>TBA<div> </div> Registration: We offer a sliding-scale contribution. Please pay what you can afford, as this helps sustain these offerings. All tickets include access to the ceremony, 3 meals + snacks.<div> </div><ul><li>Supported: $150 — For those who are experiencing financial difficulty and need assistance in order to join this offering.</li><li>Standard: $250 — Helps cover the costs of holding this 24‑hour journey and keeping this event accessible to all.</li><li>Supporter: $350 — For those who feel called to give at a level that not only sustains your own journey but also helps others participate.</li></ul> A detailed resource &amp; orientation guide will be provided to all participants after registering. Accommodations: People are welcome to rest in the main gathering space or communal areas over the course of the 24 hours. We also have a limited number of beds available for the night of December 19th. Please see the accommodation add-ons at checkout. All are welcome. FAQ's Do I need experience with whirling or Sufi practice to attend?No experience is required. This gathering is open to all, whether you are new to sema or have practiced for years. Is this a religious event?Sema has Sufi roots, but this gathering is multi-faith and open-hearted. People of all backgrounds and traditions are welcome.<div> </div>Do I have to whirl?Participation is always optional. You may whirl, sit in prayer or meditation, or simply witness the ceremony in stillness. Can I come for just part of the 24 hours?Yes. You may arrive and depart as you need, though we encourage staying for significant portions of the ceremony to experience the arc of the ceremony. What should I wear?Comfortable, modest clothing you can move in. We ask that shoulders + knees are covered. Many people wear white or light colors, but this is not required. We will have a limited amount of whirling shoes and whirling skirts for sale on site. Are meals included?Yes — three meals and snacks are included with all tickets. Are children allowed?The space is contemplative and devotional. Mature teens may attend; younger children are welcome if parents are confident that they can remain quiet and not disrupt the ceremony.  Can I take photos or record?Please refrain from photography or recording inside the sema space. We want to honor the depth and privacy of the ritual. Do I need to stay awake the whole 24 hours?No. Resting is part of the journey. You may lie down or step away to sleep as needed. Optional private rooms are available for an additional cost. Where is the event located?At AKERA retreat center in Woodburne, NY — details and directions will be sent to all registered participants. Is there financial assistance?We offer sliding-scale tickets. If you need further assistance, please reach out for limited work-exchange / scholarship spots Email: <a href="mailto:collectivesema@gmail.com" target="_blank">collectivesema@gmail.com</a> I can no longer attend, can I request a refund?Registrations are non-refundable. Please consider transferring your ticket to a friend or community member.

Lila Devotional Arts

Seb-i-Arus: A 24 Hour Sema Devotional Gathering

2299 Ulster Heights Rd

Standard Ticket

$250

Supported Ticket

$150

Supporter Ticket

$350

Kids under 12 (must be accompanied by adult)

$30

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