What Is Kirtan?

At its core, Kirtan is a call-and-response chanting practice that originated in India. It is a vital part of Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of devotion—and serves as a pathway to quiet the mind and open the heart.

The Meaning of the Practice

Unlike a typical concert where the audience listens to a performer, Kirtan is a participatory experience. There is no separation between the musicians and the attendees. The leader (or wallah) sings a mantra, and the group responds, creating a continuous loop of sacred sound.

You do not need to be a "good singer" to participate. In Kirtan, the quality of the voice matters far less than the sincerity of the heart. The practice is about expressing devotion, joy, longing, and connection through sound.

"Kirtan is a means of finding our way back to the core of our Being, to our heart, and to our connection with each other."

The Power of Mantra

The chants are typically in Sanskrit, an ancient language where the sound of the word is intricately connected to its vibrational meaning. The word mantra can be translated as "that which protects or frees the mind." By repeating these ancient sound formulas, we give the active, thinking mind something to hold onto, allowing deeper layers of awareness to emerge.

What to Expect at a Kirtan

• The Setting: Gatherings often take place in yoga studios, living rooms, temples, or community centers. Participants usually sit on the floor on cushions or blankets, though chairs are always welcome.
• The Instruments: You will frequently hear the harmonium (a pump organ), the mridanga or tabla (drums), and kartals (hand cymbals).
• The Pacing: Chants typically start slowly and softly, gradually building in tempo and volume, culminating in an energetic crescendo before returning to a quiet, meditative silence.