181+
Upcoming Gatherings
88+
Facilitators
96+
Sacred Chants
31+
Countries
Upcoming Gatherings
Join a chanting circle near you or online, and experience the power of collective voice.
Omega Ecstatic Chant
Omega's legendary annual chant retreat — a weekend gathering of the world's leading kirtan artists for immersive call-and-response chanting in the Hudson Valley.
Janmashtami at Bhaktivedanta Manor
Europe's largest Krishna festival — tens of thousands celebrate the appearance of Lord Krishna at Bhaktivedanta Manor (the estate gifted by George Harrison) with kirtan, sacred drama, feasting, and all-night chanting. Festival days in 2026: Friday 4 and Sunday 6 September — no festival on Saturday 5 September.
Radhika Das — London (Eventim Apollo)
The homecoming headline night of the Lightfall Tour — Radhika Das fills London's legendary Eventim Apollo with kirtan.
Voices of Devotion
Discover facilitators and musicians sharing the practice around the world.
Sacred Chants
Explore the mantra library — ancient sounds with translations, meanings, and chant-along recordings.
Om (Aum)
"The primordial sound — the seed vibration of the universe"
Hare Krishna Maha Mantra
"A direct call to the divine energy of Krishna and Rama"
Om Namah Shivaya
"I bow to Shiva, the auspicious one within"
Resources to Deepen Your Practice
Guides, references, and the history of Kirtan — everything you need to understand and deepen the practice, gathered in one place.
Start here — what Kirtan is and the questions newcomers ask most.
What Is Kirtan?
A gentle introduction to call-and-response devotional chanting.
ExploreKirtan FAQ
Plain answers to the questions first-timers ask most.
ExplorePioneers & History
Foundational figures and the story of how Kirtan reached the West.
ExploreKirtan Traditions
The four great streams of sacred chant — from Bhakti bhajans to Gurbani.
ExploreDeities of Kirtan
Who we chant to — the stories and mantras of Krishna, Hanuman, Shiva, and more.
ExploreLook things up — terms, instruments, and where to go deeper.
Glossary
An A–Z of Kirtan & Bhakti terms, cross-linked to mantras.
ExploreInstrument Guides
Harmonium, mridanga, kartals — what they are and how they're played.
ExploreBooks, Music & Films
Curated books, albums, and playlists to go deeper.
ExplorePractice Tools
Printable lyric & pronunciation sheets and chord basics.
ExploreFresh essays and guides to deepen your understanding of Kirtan & Bhakti.
What Is Kirtan? A Beginner's Introduction to Sacred Chanting
Kirtan is a devotional practice of call-and-response chanting, often rooted in Bhakti yoga and the mantra traditions of India. But what exactly happens when a group of people sit in a circle and chant together — and why does it feel so transformative?
What to Expect at Your First Kirtan Gathering
Walking into your first Kirtan can feel mysterious if you don't know what to expect. Here's a friendly guide to help you feel comfortable, welcome, and ready to open your heart.
How to Start a Kirtan Practice at Home
You don't need a hall full of people, a harmonium, or years of training to begin a home Kirtan practice. All you need is a voice, a quiet space, and the willingness to begin.
Join the Kirtans.com Community
Receive occasional updates — upcoming Kirtans, featured artists, the mantra of the week, new resources, retreats and festivals, and inspiration for your devotional journey. We write with care and only when we have something worth sharing.