Let your Child immerse in blissful Naam Simran and Shabad Kirtan as we have professional Raagi Singh (16 Years of experience from Jawandhi taksaal) come and Teach all Gurukul students who are interested in learning Kirtan at Our Gurukul.

Why Kirtan is Important?
Let’s trace back the …

*Origins of Kirtan*
“Kirtan” refers to an ancient religious practice and devotional performance that emerged from India (Indian Subcontinent). It’s a Sanskrit word that means “telling”, in the context of a story.

Instruments, Structure and Accompaniment
Kirtan music does generally adhere (loosely) to Indian Classical music parameters (ragas, talas). Primary instruments include harmonium, tanpura, manjira, tabla / dholak and vocals. In recent years – as with other forms of devotional and traditional music from the subcontinent – it has seen some integration with more Western musical aesthetic. This includes the introduction of guitars, and even the blending of jazz and other genres into the mix in some surprising cases.

*Spread*
It has spread internationally alongside the rise in the various forms of yoga that have reached the Western world. Importantly, it has been a mainstay of devotional practice across many religions and belief systems throughout the Indian subcontinent since ancient times.

*Bhakti Yoga*
Bhakti yoga (or bhakti marga) is the form of yoga associated with Kirtan (as opposed to the other forms of yoga). As opposed to gyan or hatha yoga, it is the form (path) of yoga that emphasizes forming a loving and dedicated relationship to the Divine (God) through the arts, which helps to gain self-improvement and realization.

*Bhakti Yoga and Kirtan*
The power of Kirtan chants and meditation in Bhakti yoga is undeniable. The repetition of a mantra in a group can bring people together spiritually. A chant with a number of voices contributing to it can be a powerful religious experience for everybody present.

The sound of everyone’s voices coming together in song or chanting can generate healing energy for people, and which is the aim of the Kirtan. This is an expression (through chants, mantras or bhajans) of deep love and devotion to the divine.

*Shabad Kirtan in Sikhism*
Kirtan holds a position of huge importance in Sikhism. In Sikhism, Kirtan involves singing sacred hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. In other words, the lyrics of a Sikh Kirtan are directly from the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib contains a multitude of ragas and talas – over 50 in total – which are used in Kirtan performances.
*Kirtan in The Guru Granth Sahib*
Kirtan chants and meditation prescribed in the Guru Granth Sahib are a way to keep the soul of people spiritual and pure during a dark age, or difficult times, by focusing the mind on the divine. The Guru Granth Sahib says that followers and believers should “Become Gurmukh, chant and focus your meditation.”

The Guru Granth Sahib also says that Sikhs should aim to listen to Kirtan as often as possible to maintain a connection with God and cultivate devotion in their hearts.

*Bhajan Kirtan in Hinduism*
A bhajan is a devotional or spiritual song found in Hinduism. Bhajans focus on expressing love and devotion towards a deity. Many bhajans prominently feature the names of dieties that they’re honoring (i.e. Krishna, Ram, Shiva, Hanuman, Durga Ma, Lakshmi Ma, Saraswati Ma etc). In a Bhajan Kirtan (satsang), there is a lead kirtaniya who leads the rest of the procession through the composition.

*Kirtan in the West*
As forms of yoga – including Hatha and Bhakti Yoga – spread around the world, it took the practice of Kirtan with it. While new Western audiences and followers have been receptive to practicing yoga and listening to kirtan music from South Asia, they have also added their own musical stylings to this ancient practice and its songs.