Kirtan is a spiritual practice that involves the communal singing of sacred mantras and hymns, deeply rooted in Hindu and Sikh traditions, and increasingly embraced worldwide as a form of meditation and spiritual connection. In this practice, a chant leader, known as the kirtan walla, initiates phrases that the group responds to, creating a collective auditory experience enhanced by instruments like the harmonium and drums and guitar. This call-and-response format intensifies over time, fostering a sense of unity and connection among participants, often leading to moments of ecstatic joy.
Kirtan refers to the act of praising the divine, embodying a deep reverence for what is exalted. The term originates from a Sanskrit root that translates to “to cut through,” suggesting that kirtan serves as a means to transcend feelings of separation. It fosters a connection to our hearts and the present moment through the power of sound.
Krishna Das, a famous kirtan wallah, reflects on the meaning behind singing to Hindu deities, describing them as representations of a deeper, more expansive essence within us. He explains that these deities symbolize a space filled with love, pure being, and expanded awareness. Kirtan, along with other mantra practices like seated meditation, serves as a pathway to uncover our true nature, allowing us to connect with that inner place of tranquility.
The term “mantra” translates to guiding and protecting the mind. Mantras can also help steer our consciousness away from overwhelming thoughts, leading us to a quieter state of awareness. The effectiveness of mantra practice lies in its repetition; during kirtan, it’s essential to gently redirect your wandering mind back to the chant. With consistent and heartfelt practice, Krishna Das notes that you may find that thoughts and emotions have less power over you, ultimately transforming your mental landscape.
In the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of the yogic tradition, Patanjali presents the eightfold path, which encompasses various yoga practices, including hatha, karma, bhakti, tantra, jnana, guru, mantra, and raja yoga. Among these, kirtan, a form of bhakti yoga centered on devotion, highlights the significance of love and surrender.
Kirtan has its roots in India, dating back approximately 2,500 years, serving as a means for yogis to connect with the Divine through the chanting of sacred names, particularly those of Hindu deities like Ram, Kali, Shiva, Durga, Krishna, and Lakshmi.
Typically, a kirtan session lasts a few hours, with each chant ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Unlike traditional musical performances, there is no applause between songs; instead, a moment of silence follows each chant, allowing the energy to resonate. The kirtan leader can enhance the experience by adjusting the chant’s duration and tempo, sometimes building to ecstatic crescendos reminiscent of classical Indian ragas, encouraging participants to dance and move.
