Introduction
Understanding this tradition
The kīrtan is a practice of devotional singing, often responsory, especially important in several bhakti currents. It can tell the life of a divinity, comment a poem or repeat a sacred name. Its bengali, marathi, sikh or globalized styles must be distinguished.
First listening
Three things to hear
- Answer only when the chorus is clearly established.
- Listen to the way the leader varies in the same formula.
- Compare a traditional kīrtan padāvalī and a diasporic recording.
History and transmission
The Bengali padāvalī kīrtan developed around devotion to Krishna and Radha, especially after Caitanya in the 16th century. Other regional traditions have their own stories. In the 20th century, diasporic movements and Western musicians popularized a yoga-simplified 的kirtan.
What does it look like?
Call and answer, memorable chorus, progressive acceleration, percussion and dance possible. In some scholarly styles, the text, rāga and narrative are much more elaborate than in contemporary festival formats.
Where and why are we listening?
The kīrtan can be offered at the temple, street practice, vigil or participatory concert. The rehearsal is not only relaxing: it calls a divine presence in a bhakti setting.
Artists, works and albums
Three listening doors
Each button opens a search targeted on an external platform. Orabel does not read, copy and host any audio files.
Padavali Kirtan
Swapan Boral
A tradition of vahnava bengalie documented in its context.Live on Earth
Krishna Das
An influential example of participatory kirtan diasporic.Like a River to the Sea
Jahnavi Harrison
A current creation nourished by devotional texts and melodies.Listen and transmit with respect
Avoid rebaptizing any repetitive song
Sources