Back to Glossary
Worship & Rituals
Kirtanकीर्तन
Call-and-response devotional chanting of divine names and mantras, usually set to music.
Detailed Explanation
Kirtan is the collective chanting of the names and glories of the divine, typically led by a singer with the gathering responding in turn. Accompanied by instruments such as the harmonium, mridangam, and cymbals, it is a core devotional (bhakti) practice that aims to focus the mind and uplift the heart through the repetition of sacred sound.