Name: Community Kirtan
Start: 2025-12-01T19:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-12-01T21:00:00+00:00
Location: John Lees Hall

Come together in community to enjoy the uplifting energy and vibrations of Kirtan and mantra chanting, facilitated by Alex, Julie and Sam.
Everyone is welcome, whether you're new to Kirtan or have never experienced it before. Whether you have a regular Yoga practice or are just curious, this is your opportunity to experience the Yoga of Sound (Nada Yoga) and the Yoga of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga).
The event is donation-based—please contribute what you feel. Donations help cover hall hire costs, and any surplus will support our growing community, future events, and other local community projects.
What is Kirtan?
Kirtan is a simple yet powerful form of meditation, part of the ancient tradition of Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Devotion. The word kirtan (or kirtana) translates to "telling," "narrating," "enumerating," or "describing."
Kirtan is typically sung in a call-and-response format, where the wallah (leader) sings a mantra, and the group repeats it back. It can be accompanied by several instruments, or as simple as a harmonium or guitar. You can think of it like a sing-along around a campfire. The songs, a beautiful blend of Sanskrit, English, and other languages, create a universal experience. Kirtan is non-denominational—more than a practice, it’s the universal language of spirit, the song of the soul.
Why Practice Kirtan?
Kirtan is about coming together as a community. Much like other forms of yoga, it helps release stress, tension, and anxiety. The chants and mantras sung together can be seen as "medicine for the soul." The word "mantra" itself comes from two parts: man (from manas, meaning "mind") and tra (meaning "vehicle" or "instrument"). This reflects how chanting can still the fluctuations of the mind and transport the mind to a higher state of consciousness.
When we chant together, the power of music allows the energy of the whole room to elevate. It becomes an experience where all voices unite as One Voice, creating a shared sense of connection.
Who Can Practice Kirtan?
Kirtan is for everyone! There are no "masters," no "experts," no "beginners," and no "advanced students." There is no right or wrong way to sing Kirtan. It’s all about self-expression and releasing emotion. This is why Kirtan can be especially healing in today’s fast-paced world.
Aesthetics are irrelevant—what matters is the spirit and the feeling. Don’t worry about what your voice sounds like; simply feel what you feel, let go of expectations, and enjoy the experience. While many Kirtans are in Sanskrit, a language that may be new to you, the beauty of Kirtan is its repetition. The lead singer will repeat lines over and over, giving you plenty of opportunities to catch up. If you don’t get it the first time, try again. Be patient with yourself and, most importantly, have fun!