Seb-i-Arus: A 24 Hour Sufi Gathering

"If you make a pilgrimage to my grave [...]
expect to dance.
Don’t come to my grave without a drum, my friend.
A feast with God is no place for sadness."

- Rumi (translated by Haleh Liza Gafori)

Join us on the Winter Solstice weekend for our community's first 24 Hour Sema Sufi gathering.

This gathering will take place at a 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 20 to 6pm Dec 21, we turn 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 private overnight accommodations are available at an extra cost.

Featuring musicians:

Loudingirra (anatolian mystic music)
Haleh Liza Gafori (rumi translator + singer)
Alby Roblejo (percussionist)
Steve Gorn (classical indian)
David Gonzalez (guitarist)
Samir Langus (moroccan gnawa)
Nizar Dahmani (percussionist)
Camila Celin (classical indian sarod)
Ehren Hanson (classical indian tabla)
James Bird (bardic & poetry)
Father Otter (ambient soundscape)
Umer Piracha (sufi vocalist)
Jason Cohen (jeys, accordion)
Evry Mann (percursionist)
Katherine Hreib (trumpet & guitarist)
The Forbidden Lovers (qawwali fusion)
Abu Zeyn (bassist)
Ayambakam (soul songs & mystics sounds)
and more

Registration

We offer a sliding-scale contribution. Please pay what you can afford as this allows for these offerings to be sustained. All tickets include access to the ceremony, 3 meals + snacks.

Supported: $99 — For those who are experiencing financial difficulty and need assistance in order to join this offering.
Standard: $199 — Helps cover the costs of holding this 24‑hour journey and keeping this event accessible to all.
Supporter: $299 — For those who feel called to give at a level that not only sustains your own journey but also helps others participate.

A detailed resource & 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. If you would like to reserve a room for the night of December 20th, please see the accommodation add-ons at checkout.

Join us as we gather on the Winter Solstice to turn through the longest night with stillness, devotion, and light.
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?

Seb-i-Arus has Sufi roots, but this gathering is multi-faith and open-hearted. People of all backgrounds and traditions are welcome.

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. Many people wear white or light colors, but this is not required.

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?

In Woodburne, NY — details, exact address and directions will be sent to all registered participants.

Is there financial assistance?
Yes. We offer sliding-scale tickets, and a limited number of scholarship spots are available. Email: lilatheseries@gmail.com

Jason Cohen

Jason Cohen

Jason Cohen