Jai Uttal

World Music / Kirtan / Multi-instrumentalistWestern Bhakti

California, USA

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About

Jai Uttal is a Grammy-nominated artist who has been pioneering the blending of Indian devotional music with Western sounds for over 40 years. He plays harmonium, sarangi, banjo, guitar, and various Indian instruments. A devoted student of Neem Karoli Baba and Ali Akbar Khan, his music pulsates with raw devotional energy.

Offerings

Kirtan concerts, music workshops, harmonium teaching, retreats

Listen

Featured Recordings

Nataraja (Nataraja Nataraja)

"Praise to Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic Lord of the Dance"

Twameva Mata

"You are my mother, father, friend, and my all"

Guru Brahma

"The Guru Stotram — honoring the spiritual teacher as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and as the Supreme Reality itself."

Ganesha Sharanam

"I take refuge in Ganesha, the remover of obstacles"

Featured in Articles

The Science of Singing Together: Why Group Chanting Bonds a Room

Science & Wellness

Regional Traditions of Kirtan: One Practice, Many Living Streams

Learning

Ram Dass: Be Here Now and the Birth of Western Kirtan

Teachings

Neem Karoli Baba: The Quiet Guru Behind Western Kirtan

Teachings

What Is Kirtan? A Beginner's Introduction to Sacred Chanting

Beginners Guide

Featured in Books, Music & Films

Kirtan: The Bhakti Yoga of Chanting Mantras

playlist

Kirtan! The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant

album

Music for Yoga and Other Joys

album

Deities They Chant To

Rama

Hanuman

Kali

Instruments They Play

Tabla

Upcoming Events

Jai Uttal Online Kirtan Camp: 365 Days of Bhakti

Headliner

Sep 27 – Sep 26, 2027 · Online

Jai Uttal — San Rafael

Headliner

Oct 10, 2026 · San Rafael, CA

Jai Uttal — Portland

Headliner

Oct 24, 2026 · Portland, OR

Jai Uttal — Seattle

Headliner

Oct 25, 2026 · Seattle, WA

Jai Uttal — San Francisco

Headliner

Nov 21, 2026 · San Francisco, CA

Ecstatic Chant 2026 at Blue Spirit

Dec 26 – Jan 2, 2027 · Garza, Guanacaste

Kirtan Fest of the West

Apr 22 – 25, 2027 · Santa Cruz, CA

BhaktiFest

Headliner

2027 · Dates TBA · Joshua Tree

Past Appearances

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