Welcome to the world of kirtan music, a spiritual and devotional form of music that has been gaining popularity all over the world. Kirtan music is a form of Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, where the performers and the audience come together to create a sacred space through the power of music, chanting, and singing. At the heart of kirtan music is the experience of unity, love, and devotion, as the musicians and the audience merge into one voice, one rhythm, and one heart.
As a kirtan band from Boulder, Colorado, we are excited to share our journey with you as we embark on a path of devotion, music, and community. In this blog post, we will explore what kirtan music is, the history of kirtan, the key players in the kirtan scene, and our own personal experience as a kirtan band.
What is Kirtan Music?
Kirtan music is a form of devotional music that originated in India and has been practiced for thousands of years. The word “kirtan” comes from the Sanskrit word “kirtana,” which means “to praise.” In kirtan music, performers and audience members come together to chant mantras, sing devotional songs, and create a powerful and transformative experience.
One of the unique aspects of kirtan music is the call-and-response style of singing, where the lead singer (or singers) chants a mantra or sings a devotional song, and the audience responds in unison. This creates a beautiful and powerful experience, as the energy of the music and the chanting builds, creating a sense of unity and connection.
Kirtan music is often performed with traditional Indian instruments, such as the harmonium, tabla, and kartals, but it can also be performed with Western instruments, such as the guitar, drums, and keyboard. The genre of kirtan music has evolved over time, incorporating elements of Western music, jazz, and even rock.
The History of Kirtan
The history of kirtan music is deeply rooted in Indian spirituality and culture. Kirtan has been practiced in India for thousands of years, as a form of devotional worship and spiritual practice. Kirtan was originally performed in temples and ashrams, as a way of connecting with the divine.
In the 1960s, kirtan music began to gain popularity in the West, thanks in part to the work of spiritual teachers like Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba, and musicians like Krishna Das. Ram Dass, a spiritual teacher and author, introduced kirtan to his students in the United States, and helped to popularize the practice of chanting mantras and singing devotional songs. Krishna Das, a musician and disciple of Neem Karoli Baba, helped to bring kirtan to a wider audience, through his recordings and performances.
Today, kirtan music is practiced all over the world, and has become a popular form of spiritual practice and community building.
The Key Players in the Kirtan Scene
The kirtan scene is made up of a diverse group of musicians, teachers, and practitioners, who are dedicated to spreading the message of love, unity, and devotion through music. Some of the key players in the kirtan scene include:
Krishna Das: Krishna Das is one of the most well-known kirtan musicians in the world. He has recorded over 20 albums, and has performed all over the world, sharing the message of love and devotion through his music.
Jai Uttal: Jai Uttal is a Grammy-nominated musician who has been practicing and teaching kirtan for over 45 years. He has released numerous albums and has collaborated with a wide range of artists to create unique and inspiring kirtan music. Jai is known for his powerful voice and his ability to create a deep sense of connection and community through his music.
Snatam Kaur: Snatam Kaur is a kirtan musician and spiritual teacher who has released several albums and books on the practice of kirtan and yoga. She has been practicing and sharing kirtan music for over 20 years, and her music is known for its beautiful and uplifting melodies, as well as its powerful message of love and devotion.
Deva Premal & Miten: Deva Premal and Miten are a musical duo who have been practicing and sharing kirtan music for over 30 years. They have released numerous albums and have performed all over the world, sharing the message of peace, love, and unity through their music. Their music is known for its soothing and meditative quality, as well as its ability to create a deep sense of connection and community.
Our Personal Experience as a Kirtan Band
As a kirtan band from Boulder, Colorado, we are just getting started on our journey of sharing the message of love, unity, and devotion through music. We have been booking as many kirtan events as possible, and have been blown away by the incredible response from the community. We are stoked to continue to singing together.
For us, kirtan music is not just about performing on stage, but about creating a sacred space where everyone is welcome, and where we can all come together to connect with each other and with something greater than ourselves. We believe that kirtan music has the power to heal, to inspire, and to transform, and love sharing this practice with the community.
In our kirtan events, we focus on creating a powerful and transformative experience, where the audience is invited to participate fully in the music and the chanting. We use a mix of traditional Indian chants and Western influence. It’s a unique and dynamic sound that is both authentic and accessible.
Join us for Some Kirtan Music
Come join us for one of our kirtan music events, and let us know if you would like to schedule a kirtan at your venue.
Please email divinobetsatori@gmail.com to get in touch with us, or simple contact us.
