Practices
Practices
Rituals and ceremonies inviting you to slow down, listen within, and return to a living connection with yourself and the present moment.
The theme of Gabya Isle Rituals 2026 is Ancestors.
KŪLGRINDA
Kūlgrinda is a Romuva ceremonial music group, deeply connected to the ancient Baltic worldview and traditions. The group does not function like a typical concert ensemble – their music is most often performed during rituals, festivals, and community gatherings, where the emphasis is on presence, process, and meaning.
Kūlgrinda is associated with the Romuva movement, and the group’s leader, Inija Trinkūnienė, krivė of krivės, continues to nurture the Baltic faith and living traditions in Lithuania. The group’s work is rooted in respect for ancient culture, authenticity, and community, and their music becomes not a performance, but an immersive experience.
MANTAS MAZILIAUSKAS
Mantas Maziliauskas is an artist, architect, and educator whose work integrates architecture, painting, sculpture, installation, and poetry. His creative practice unfolds at the intersection of art, architecture, and metaphysical experience.
At the core of Maziliauskas’ artistic philosophy is the concept of wind – spaces constantly in motion and vibration, where forms of freedom shift with the slightest movement of creativity.
Since the very beginning of the „Gabya“ festival in 2021 on Smiltynė, Mantas has handcrafted the Gabija shrine. Here, by Gabija’s flame, tradition takes shape, and the community comes together, honoring ancestors, Baltic culture, and the living energy of the Earth. In Mantas’ work, every flame and every form becomes a bridge between past and present, inviting participation, sensation, and the discovery of heartfelt connection through shared presence.
MANTAS MAZILIAUSKAS
Mantas Maziliauskas is an artist, architect, and educator whose work integrates architecture, painting, sculpture, installation, and poetry. His creative practice unfolds at the intersection of art, architecture, and metaphysical experience.
At the core of Maziliauskas’ artistic philosophy is the concept of wind – spaces constantly in motion and vibration, where forms of freedom shift with the slightest movement of creativity.
Since the very beginning of the „Gabya“ festival in 2021 on Smiltynė, Mantas has handcrafted the Gabija shrine. Here, by Gabija’s flame, tradition takes shape, and the community comes together, honoring ancestors, Baltic culture, and the living energy of the Earth. In Mantas’ work, every flame and every form becomes a bridge between past and present, inviting participation, sensation, and the discovery of heartfelt connection through shared presence.
RITA BALKUTĖ
Rita Balkutė – founder of the „Būties ratu“ Traditions Center. For over 30 years, she has led expeditions on Lithuanian folk medicine, creating anthropological films about herbalists, charmers, witches, sorcerers, plant-based healing, magic, and other traditional practices. Rita writes articles and publishes folklore research in Lithuanian and international journals, and organizes conferences dedicated to Lithuanian folk medicine. She also delivers lectures, leads educational workshops on medicinal herbs and Lithuanian traditions, and organizes camps for both children and adults.
PETRAS DABRIŠIUS
Petras Dabrišius – nature caretaker and founder of the unique space Žvėrinčius. For over three decades, he has created a place where people can connect with wild nature not through entertainment, but through observation, silence, and presence. Petras has worked with wild animals for many years, speaks about human responsibility in relation to nature, and shares experiences born from long, daily engagement with the natural world, rather than from theory.
PETRAS DABRIŠIUS
Petras Dabrišius – nature caretaker and founder of the unique space Žvėrinčius. For over three decades, he has created a place where people can connect with wild nature not through entertainment, but through observation, silence, and presence. Petras has worked with wild animals for many years, speaks about human responsibility in relation to nature, and shares experiences born from long, daily engagement with the natural world, rather than from theory.
UGNIES NEŠĖJOS
“Ugnies nešėjos“ is a trio of women carrying the sun within themselves. At the festival, they invite participants to connect with their ancestors through a dance with fire. In movement, the invisible is revealed. In this feminine union, strength and gentleness, power and balance come to light.
In their performances, fire becomes a bridge between worlds, while the connection with ancestors stabilizes and helps maintain the inner axis. At „Gabya“ festival, the three fire bearers – Gabija, Aiva, and Salvinija – will unveil the secrets of this experience.
GEDIMINAS DUBONIKAS
Gediminas Dubonikas is a genealogist specializing in family tree research and the study of family history. He helps people trace their ancestral roots, better understand their family origins, intergenerational connections, and the historical contexts that have shaped their family narratives.
GEDIMINAS DUBONIKAS
Gediminas Dubonikas is a genealogist specializing in family tree research and the study of family history. He helps people trace their ancestral roots, better understand their family origins, intergenerational connections, and the historical contexts that have shaped their family narratives.
LEONARDAS POBEDONOSCEVAS
Leonardas Pobedonoscevas – experiential process facilitator and charismatic Lithuanian actor, sharing an energy that naturally brings forth a sincere smile. In everything he does, he devotes not only his full attention but, most importantly, his heart. He greets everyone with love and simplicity, allowing them to feel like part of a family.
Leonardas continually rediscovers the wonder of Balinese (Indonesia) masks, surrounding both himself and those around him with this magic. For five years, he has been deepening his experience and skills in Bali under the guidance of his teacher, Per Brahe (Mr. Topeng), who introduced him to this ancient, archetypal, and sacred practice of Balinese mask magic.
LEONARDAS POBEDONOSCEVAS
Leonardas Pobedonoscevas – experiential process facilitator and charismatic Lithuanian actor, sharing an energy that naturally brings forth a sincere smile. In everything he does, he devotes not only his full attention but, most importantly, his heart. He greets everyone with love and simplicity, allowing them to feel like part of a family.
Leonardas continually rediscovers the wonder of Balinese (Indonesia) masks, surrounding both himself and those around him with this magic. For five years, he has been deepening his experience and skills in Bali under the guidance of his teacher, Per Brahe (Mr. Topeng), who introduced him to this ancient, archetypal, and sacred practice of Balinese mask magic.
YURA DONSKOV
Yura Donskov is a sauna master, steam ceremony facilitator, and a sound and osteopathy therapist. His sauna is a space of love, care, and trust, where connection with oneself is restored through steam, brooms, sound, and touch. Yura leads communal sauna ceremonies, trainings, and deep individual therapeutic experiences. His sauna, „Volnaya Laznia“, translates from Belarusian as “Liberating Sauna.” Yura works in Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Germany, and is currently gathering a new training group in Lithuania.
YURA DONSKOV
Yura Donskov is a sauna master, steam ceremony facilitator, and a sound and osteopathy therapist. His sauna is a space of love, care, and trust, where connection with oneself is restored through steam, brooms, sound, and touch. Yura leads communal sauna ceremonies, trainings, and deep individual therapeutic experiences. His sauna, „Volnaya Laznia“, translates from Belarusian as “Liberating Sauna.” Yura works in Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and Germany, and is currently gathering a new training group in Lithuania.
SIGITA MOCKUTĖ
Sigita Mockutė is a visual artist who has been creating since childhood and, for the past ten years, has worked under the pseudonym „Psigidelia“. She studied art at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, as well as in Austria and the United States, where she explored diverse creative methods and the fundamentals of art therapy. From this multifaceted experience, she developed the “Inner Visions” drawing experience, which she has been leading for seven years. Here, the sacredness of creativity blends with the joy of play, experimentation, spontaneity, and the expansion of personal boundaries.
SIGITA MOCKUTĖ
Sigita Mockutė is a visual artist who has been creating since childhood and, for the past ten years, has worked under the pseudonym „Psigidelia“. She studied art at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, as well as in Austria and the United States, where she explored diverse creative methods and the fundamentals of art therapy. From this multifaceted experience, she developed the “Inner Visions” drawing experience, which she has been leading for seven years. Here, the sacredness of creativity blends with the joy of play, experimentation, spontaneity, and the expansion of personal boundaries.
ARTIMI GARSAI
Karolina and Tadas are intuitive musicians, certified sound therapy practitioners, and founders of the personal development studio „Artimi Garsai“. Their work was born from the desire to share sound as a healing, inspiring, and unifying experience. „Artimi Garsai“ invites participants on diverse sound journeys – from individual sound therapy sessions to large community events, gong concerts, ecstatic dances, women’s circles, and personal development camps.
Karolina and Tadas perceive sound not just as music, but as a living vibration that touches the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels of a person. Their improvised sound journeys, combining drums, cello, voice, and many other therapeutic instruments, create a space for renewal, inspiration, authenticity, and the coming together of hearts.
ARTIMI GARSAI
Karolina and Tadas are intuitive musicians, certified sound therapy practitioners, and founders of the personal development studio „Artimi Garsai“. Their work was born from the desire to share sound as a healing, inspiring, and unifying experience. „Artimi Garsai“ invites participants on diverse sound journeys – from individual sound therapy sessions to large community events, gong concerts, ecstatic dances, women’s circles, and personal development camps.
Karolina and Tadas perceive sound not just as music, but as a living vibration that touches the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels of a person. Their improvised sound journeys, combining drums, cello, voice, and many other therapeutic instruments, create a space for renewal, inspiration, authenticity, and the coming together of hearts.
BUGNINOM
„Bugninom“ – Asta and Mindaugas, creators of therapeutic large and small heart drums. Their work is born from a deep connection with nature, intention, and creative ritual. Mindaugas sees the drum as a living being, whose birth he facilitates, allowing newly resonant energy and ancestral echoes to emerge. Asta inspires each new instrument with feminine care – infusing it with intention, purifying it with sage smoke, and giving it gentle, sacred power.
Drums created by „Bugninom“ are not just instruments – they are companions on a journey, guiding participants into inner spaces, helping them connect with the rhythm of their own hearts, and restoring a living connection with themselves, the Earth, and the Universe. „Bugninom“ invites you to experience the voice of the drums as a healing, revealing, and transformative force.
BUGNINOM
„Bugninom“ – Asta and Mindaugas, creators of therapeutic large and small heart drums. Their work is born from a deep connection with nature, intention, and creative ritual. Mindaugas sees the drum as a living being, whose birth he facilitates, allowing newly resonant energy and ancestral echoes to emerge. Asta inspires each new instrument with feminine care – infusing it with intention, purifying it with sage smoke, and giving it gentle, sacred power.
Drums created by „Bugninom“ are not just instruments – they are companions on a journey, guiding participants into inner spaces, helping them connect with the rhythm of their own hearts, and restoring a living connection with themselves, the Earth, and the Universe. „Bugninom“ invites you to experience the voice of the drums as a healing, revealing, and transformative force.
MARTYNAS SUČYLA
Handpan Circle is an open and living musical experience, where everyone can join in a collective sound. No musical experience is needed – through simple rhythms, attentive listening, and shared presence, a communal sound field is created.
Martynas Sučyla is a handpan (Dangaus Būgnas) maker, performer, and teacher, and the founder of the „Dangaus Būgnas“ project. He is a certified MMM (Malte Marten Method) instructor. Martynas crafts his own instruments, performs with them at concerts and workshops, and leads group playing circles and experiential sessions.
The circle is based on the MMM – Malte Marten Method, which integrates rhythm, harmony, melody, and mindful presence with sound. This is not a concert, but a living musical circle, inviting participants to relax, connect with themselves and others, and feel the shared pulse.
MARTYNAS SUČYLA
Handpan Circle is an open and living musical experience, where everyone can join in a collective sound. No musical experience is needed – through simple rhythms, attentive listening, and shared presence, a communal sound field is created.
Martynas Sučyla is a handpan (Dangaus Būgnas) maker, performer, and teacher, and the founder of the „Dangaus Būgnas“ project. He is a certified MMM (Malte Marten Method) instructor. Martynas crafts his own instruments, performs with them at concerts and workshops, and leads group playing circles and experiential sessions.
The circle is based on the MMM – Malte Marten Method, which integrates rhythm, harmony, melody, and mindful presence with sound. This is not a concert, but a living musical circle, inviting participants to relax, connect with themselves and others, and feel the shared pulse.
MIŠKO FĖJA
Miško fėja is a numerologist, meditation instructor, and spiritual practices facilitator, working with the path of inner light, Baltic worldview, and conscious connection with nature. Her work includes lectures, rituals, meditations, and experiential practices that invite participants to reconnect with the Earth, the cycles of the year, ancestry, the body, and heart-centered awareness. In her practice, she blends ancient Baltic traditions with contemporary inner growth, as well as attunement to nature through the creation of natural cosmetics and ritual items.
MIŠKO FĖJA
Miško fėja is a numerologist, meditation instructor, and spiritual practices facilitator, working with the path of inner light, Baltic worldview, and conscious connection with nature. Her work includes lectures, rituals, meditations, and experiential practices that invite participants to reconnect with the Earth, the cycles of the year, ancestry, the body, and heart-centered awareness. In her practice, she blends ancient Baltic traditions with contemporary inner growth, as well as attunement to nature through the creation of natural cosmetics and ritual items.
ELONA PETKELIENĖ
Elona Petkelienė is a parapsychologist working with inner human processes, consciousness, and experiences that often lie beyond rational explanation. In her practice, she places great emphasis on personal experience, self-reflection, and the exploration of inner states.
Elona shares insights into the human inner world, perception, and sensations, inviting participants not to believe blindly, but to observe, feel, and form their own relationship with what unfolds within.
ELONA PETKELIENĖ
Elona Petkelienė is a parapsychologist working with inner human processes, consciousness, and experiences that often lie beyond rational explanation. In her practice, she places great emphasis on personal experience, self-reflection, and the exploration of inner states.
Elona shares insights into the human inner world, perception, and sensations, inviting participants not to believe blindly, but to observe, feel, and form their own relationship with what unfolds within.
DAINIUS RAZAUSKAS
Dainius Razauskas is a mythologist, scholar of religion, writer, and translator who has spent many years researching Baltic mythology, ancient worldviews, religious symbols, and their connections to language, folklore, and culture.
If the winds are favorable, Dainius Razauskas plans to attend the festival and take part in a discussion on ancestors and belief—exploring how ancient worldviews, myths, and religious imagery shape a person’s relationship with the surrounding world, their nation, and themselves.
We hope the wind will be favorable!