Kirtan and Sacred Music Gatherings
Join us to quiet the mind through the traditional practice of call and response chanting. These gatherings are less about performance and more about sharing a space of deep, meditative connection.
An invitation to our Kirtan chanting evenings. We gather as a community, led by talented vocalists and musicians, to immerse ourselves in the healing power of sacred sound. All are welcome to join, listen, or sing along.
Here I am sharing a piece during a Guru Vandana, an event celebrating the tradition of classical music. For me, music is another form of yoga, a path of devotion and inner connection that I am grateful to practice and share.
The tradition of Guru Vandana is passed down through generations. It is beautiful to see young students and seasoned artists sharing the same stage, learning from one another and keeping the flame of Hindustani classical music alive.
A young student holds the tanpura, fully present in the music. These moments of shared practice are where the true learning happens, connecting us to the lineage of teachers and the heart of the music.
My teachers, Shri Narasimhan Kulkarni ji and Shri Vadiraj on tabla, leading the Guru Vandana. Their dedication and mastery are a constant source of inspiration on my own musical journey.
The rhythmic foundation of our Kirtan, the tabla, played with skill and devotion. The interplay between melody and rhythm creates a meditative space for everyone present.
A group of students performing together, their voices blending in harmony. These community events are a celebration of our collective learning and our shared love for the tradition of sacred music.
The entire group of musicians and singers gathered for a Kirtan session. The energy in the room is one of shared devotion and joy, created by the collective practice of chanting.
An elder practitioner shares her voice, her expression filled with years of devotion and practice. Our community embraces students of all ages, from the youngest beginners to the most experienced artists.
Another view of a senior student deep in her musical offering. Her presence reminds us that this practice is a lifelong journey of learning and devotion.
About Kirtan & Sacred Music
At our gatherings, you will not find a stage performance. Instead, we sit in a circle on the floor, allowing the acoustic resonance of the tabla and harmonium to guide our collective breath. Whether you are a musician or have never chanted a single note, your voice adds to the tapestry of sound we create together in this shared space.
More Than Just Music
For me, music is another form of yoga, a path of devotion that runs parallel to my asana practice. Our Kirtan circles are grounded in the tradition of Guru Vandana, honoring the lineage of teachers who have guided our path. We draw from Hindustani classical traditions, specifically the Kiryana Gharana, to create a soundscape that invites stillness rather than applause.
Why Join Our Circle?
- Inclusive Environment: Our circles are intergenerational. You will see young students learning alongside seniors, with age gaps spanning from 10 to 70 years. Everyone has a place in the circle.
- No Experience Needed: These are not vocal training workshops. The focus is on the resonance of the heart and the quietening of the mind through call and response chanting. Your intent is far more important than your pitch.
- The Physical Experience: We keep the setup simple and raw. Expect floor seating with cushions provided to ensure you can remain comfortable for the duration of the 90 to 120-minute sessions.
We often host these gatherings in the shala with natural light and a traditional setting, featuring fresh flowers and oil lamps to keep the environment grounded and focused. After the chanting concludes, we usually share a moment of community mingling, often with prasad or chai. It is about coming together as a collective, honoring the tradition of sacred music, and finding the shanti (peace) that exists within the sound.
Nitesh Batra
Music is another form of yoga for me, a path of devotion that I have practiced alongside my asana journey for years. I invite you to join our circle, where the focus is simply on opening the heart and finding stillness together.
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