Have you ever heard a room full of people singing the same ancient words and felt something open inside your heart? That is the magic of Kirtan. It is simple enough for a complete beginner, yet deep enough to explore for a whole lifetime.
Kirtan is a devotional practice of singing and chanting that comes from India and is closely connected with Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion. It usually follows a simple call-and-response format: one person sings a mantra or sacred phrase, and the group repeats it. The practice brings together voice, mantra, rhythm, music and meditation in a way that is open to everyone, even if you have never sung, meditated or played an instrument before.
For many people, Kirtan begins with curiosity. You may hear a mantra in a yoga class, join a Kirtan evening while travelling, or simply feel drawn to the sound of the harmonium and many voices singing together. Some people come for the music, while others want to understand the mantras, learn harmonium, develop their voice or explore the spiritual roots of Bhakti Yoga.
The beautiful thing about Kirtan is that you do not need to know everything before you begin. You can start simply by listening and let the practice grow from there. In this guide, you will learn what Kirtan is, where it comes from, which mantras are good for beginners, how the harmonium works and how you can start your own practice.
What Is Kirtan? A Simple Explanation
Kirtan is a traditional Indian practice of devotional singing. A leader sings a mantra, a sacred name or a short spiritual phrase, and the group answers by singing it back. This call-and-response structure makes Kirtan easy to follow, because nobody needs to memorise long songs or read music.
A Kirtan can be quiet and meditative, or joyful and full of energy. Many Kirtans begin slowly with only harmonium and voice, then build with drums, clapping and stronger group singing, before returning to stillness at the end. The style changes with the tradition, the leader, the musicians and the setting.
Unlike a concert, Kirtan is not about watching someone perform. Everyone in the room is part of the music. You can sing loudly or softly, close your eyes, clap, move with the rhythm or simply listen until you feel ready to join.
Where Does Kirtan Come From? A Tradition More Than 3,000 Years Old
The word Kirtan comes from Sanskrit and means to praise, to recite or to tell. It points to the act of singing and remembering the sacred together. Over many centuries, different regions of India developed their own forms of devotional singing, so there is not just one style of Kirtan.
The earliest roots of Kirtan reach back to the Vedic period, more than 3,000 years ago, when hymns and mantras were chanted in sacred rituals. Many centuries later, the Bhakti movement spread across India, and saint-poets such as Mirabai and Kabir sang of their love for the Divine in the everyday languages of the people. Their devotional songs are still sung and loved today.
In Bengal, the saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made group chanting of divine names popular in the 16th century, and his followers carried it through the streets and villages. In the Sikh tradition, Kirtan is the singing of sacred hymns (shabads) from the Guru Granth Sahib, and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar it is sung from early morning until late at night. In Maharashtra and other regions, singer-saints created their own rich traditions of devotional song.
The heart of all these traditions is the same: sacred words are repeated through music and shared with others. Today Kirtan is practised all over the world in temples, yoga centres, retreats, festivals and community gatherings. Modern Kirtan may use traditional Indian instruments as well as guitar, mandolin, hand percussion and influences from world music.
How Does Kirtan Work? The Magic of Call and Response
The structure of Kirtan is very simple. The leader sings a mantra or short musical phrase, the group listens, and then everyone sings it back. The leader may repeat the same line, change the melody slightly or add a new variation, while the group keeps answering.
Because the same mantra is repeated many times, people quickly become familiar with the words and the melody. The music often grows stronger and faster, then slows down again into a quieter rhythm. This repetition gives Kirtan its meditative quality, because the mind no longer has to think about what comes next.
For beginners, this makes Kirtan one of the easiest spiritual practices to join. You do not need to know the song beforehand, read music or have any musical training. You simply listen and respond.
Mantra Chanting: The Heart of Every Kirtan
A mantra is a sacred sound, word or phrase that is repeated as part of a spiritual or meditation practice. Many mantras used in Kirtan are in Sanskrit, while others come from Hindi, Punjabi or other Indian languages. In Kirtan, the mantra is sung rather than spoken, which makes the repetition easier and allows the whole group to chant together.
Over time, the words become familiar and your attention slowly moves away from everyday thinking towards the sound, the breath and the repetition. This is why mantra chanting is more than learning lyrics. For many people, it is the moment when Kirtan starts to feel less like singing and more like meditation.
Five Easy Kirtan Mantras to Start With
If you are new to Kirtan, it helps to start with a few short mantras that are sung in many Kirtan gatherings around the world. You will often hear these at your first Kirtan, so knowing them in advance can help you feel at home more quickly.
Om – the primordial sound, often chanted at the beginning and end of a practice. It is short, simple and a beautiful way to feel the vibration of your own voice.
Om Namah Shivaya – a mantra honouring Shiva, often understood as bowing to the inner Self and the pure consciousness within. Its steady rhythm makes it easy for beginners to follow.
Hare Krishna Hare Rama – the maha mantra, made popular around the world through the Bhakti tradition of Bengal. It repeats only three names, so it is very easy to learn by listening.
Om Shanti – a short mantra for peace, often sung softly at the end of a Kirtan or meditation. It brings the group back into stillness.
Waheguru – a name for the Divine in the Sikh tradition, expressing wonder and gratitude. It is often repeated slowly and lovingly in Sikh Kirtan and meditation.
You do not need to learn all five at once. Choose one mantra that you like, listen to it often and let it become a friend in your daily life. For more mantras and their meanings, read Exploring the Power of Kirtan and Mantras for Beginners.
Why the Meaning of a Mantra Matters
At your first Kirtan, it is completely normal to learn by listening and repeating. If you decide to go deeper, however, it is valuable to understand what you are singing and how the words are pronounced. This turns repeating sounds into a conscious practice.
Sanskrit is a rich and layered language. One word may carry several shades of meaning and often has no exact English translation. A simple translation gives you the general idea, but it may miss the deeper context of the original word or verse.
Sanskrit also contains sounds that are unfamiliar to many people who did not grow up with the language, such as long and short vowels or different kinds of "t" and "d". Learning from a teacher who knows the language, the tradition and the meaning behind each mantra helps you chant with more clarity and respect. This becomes especially important if you want to lead Kirtan one day, because you are then sharing the mantra with others.
Can't Sing? Good News: You Don't Need To
No, you do not need to be a trained singer to join Kirtan. Most of the time everyone is singing together, so your voice becomes part of the group rather than standing alone. There is no audition and no expectation that your voice should sound a certain way.
Many people are surprised to find that Kirtan becomes a gentle way to discover their own voice. Regular chanting can make you more aware of your breath, pitch, tone and vocal range. If you later want to go deeper, vocal training can help you develop these areas step by step.
Your First Kirtan: What to Expect
A Kirtan evening usually begins with everyone sitting together on cushions, mats or chairs while the musicians prepare. The leader often explains the meaning of the first mantra or shares a little of its background before singing the opening line. Then the group answers, and the chant slowly comes alive.
As the Kirtan develops, instruments such as harmonium, tabla, dholak, kartals or other percussion support the voices. Depending on the style, the music may build into joyful, energetic chanting or stay gentle and meditative. At the end, there is often a moment of silence in which you can simply feel the effect of the singing.
Some people sing with their eyes closed, while others clap, move or even dance. You do not need to copy anyone. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a bottle of water and give yourself permission to simply listen at first, because there is no wrong way to experience your first Kirtan.
Kirtan and Bhakti Yoga: Singing from the Heart
Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of devotion and love, and it is one of the classical paths of yoga. Its practices cultivate gratitude, remembrance and a heartfelt connection with the sacred.
Kirtan is one of the best-known expressions of Bhakti Yoga, because the voice and the music themselves become the spiritual practice. The aim is not only to create beautiful music. The intention behind the singing, the open heart and the presence in the room matter just as much.
This is the main difference between Kirtan and a performance: the heart of Kirtan is devotion and presence, not perfection. If you would like to explore this path more deeply, read our article Bhakti Yoga: 3 Ways to Live a Devotional Life.
Kirtan as Meditation: When Singing Turns into Stillness
Yes, Kirtan can be a powerful form of meditation. Instead of sitting in silence, you place your attention on the mantra, the melody, the rhythm and the breath. The mind has something clear to hold on to, and the repetition slowly reduces the need to think.
This makes Kirtan especially helpful for people who find silent meditation difficult. Many beginners say that their mind becomes busy when they sit quietly, but that it settles naturally when they sing. In this way, Kirtan can become a doorway to meditation.
The silence after a Kirtan is often as important as the singing itself. When the music stops, many people notice a deep stillness inside, a natural meditation that grows out of the chanting. You can read more about this deeper experience in The Transformative Power of Kirtan: Beyond the Melody.
What Can Kirtan Bring Into Your Life?
Every person experiences Kirtan in their own way, but there are some effects that many people describe again and again. Singing with long, steady out-breaths naturally slows the breath, which can help the body and mind relax. Many people leave a Kirtan feeling calmer, lighter and more joyful than when they arrived.
Kirtan also creates a strong feeling of connection. When many voices sing the same mantra together, people often feel less alone and more part of something bigger. For those who live far from home or feel stressed by everyday life, this sense of community can be very nourishing.
A mantra you know well is always with you, whether you are travelling, working or preparing for sleep, so even a few minutes of chanting can change how you feel. To learn more, read our article Kirtan: Powerful Benefits of Chanting Mantras Daily, which explores how a daily mantra practice can support your life.
Kirtan vs Bhajan: What Is the Difference?
Kirtan and Bhajan are both forms of Indian devotional music, but they are usually practised in different ways. Kirtan in the modern, international style is known for call-and-response chanting, in which the leader sings and the group repeats. Bhajan is more song-like and is often sung by one singer or by a group together, without the same repeating pattern.
The two traditions overlap, and different communities use the words in slightly different ways. In the Sikh tradition, for example, Kirtan means singing sacred hymns, often without call and response. For a beginner, the easiest way to remember the difference is this: Kirtan invites everyone to answer, while a Bhajan is more like a devotional song you listen to or sing along with.
The Harmonium: The Surprising Story of Kirtan's Favourite Instrument
The harmonium is the instrument most people connect with Kirtan today. It is a small keyboard instrument that makes sound with air from hand-operated bellows. One hand pumps the bellows at the back, while the other hand plays the melody on the keys.
What many people do not know is that the harmonium is not originally Indian. Pedal-pumped reed organs came to India with Europeans in the 19th century, and around 1875 an instrument maker in Kolkata, Dwarkanath Ghose, created a hand-pumped version that could be played sitting on the floor. Within a few decades it spread across the whole country and became a central instrument in devotional and classical music.
The harmonium works so well for Kirtan because it supports the voice. It gives the singer a stable tone, holds the key, and makes the melody easy for the group to follow. This is why most Kirtan leaders accompany themselves on harmonium while they sing.
Can Beginners Learn the Harmonium?
Yes, and many people start without any musical experience at all. You do not need to read Western sheet music or play piano before you begin. In the beginning, you learn how to move the bellows evenly, find your way around the keyboard and play a few simple notes and scales.
From there, you can learn one simple mantra melody and repeat it until the movements feel natural. Later you add your voice. Singing, pumping the bellows and playing the melody at the same time can feel challenging at first, but with short and regular practice your hands and voice slowly learn to work together.
Already Playing? How to Go Deeper
If you already have some experience, there is still a lot to explore. You can work with different keys, musical arrangements, rhythm, accompaniment and improvisation. Each of these skills makes your playing more free and more musical.
One important skill is adapting the harmonium to your voice, instead of forcing your voice into one fixed arrangement. You may need to move a mantra into another key so that it feels comfortable to sing. At a deeper level, harmonium practice becomes less about memorising songs and more about listening to how the instrument can support the mantra, the singer, the percussion and the whole group.
Your Voice: The Most Important Instrument in Kirtan
The voice is the main instrument in Kirtan, so learning to use it well makes a big difference. Vocal training helps you become more aware of your breath, pitch, tone and range, and it teaches you to sing without forcing or straining your voice. This is helpful for beginners and experienced singers alike.
A Kirtan training may include vocal activation, breathing exercises, warm-ups, scales, exercises from Indian classical music and careful listening practice. Indian classical vocal exercises are especially valuable, because they train the ear to hear fine differences in pitch and help the voice become steady and flexible.
Vocal training becomes even more important if you want to lead Kirtan. A leader needs a stable, relaxed voice to introduce a melody clearly and guide the group for a long evening without getting tired.
Which Instruments Are Used in Kirtan?
The human voice is always the central instrument in Kirtan. The harmonium is the most common accompaniment, while tabla, dholak, mridanga and kartals (small hand cymbals) give the music its rhythm and structure. Together, these instruments create the familiar sound of a traditional Kirtan.
Modern Kirtan can also include guitar, mandolin, flute, violin, bass or even electronic sounds. Some musicians combine devotional music with Sufi music, Indian classical music, world music or contemporary styles.
Whatever instruments are used, they should support the mantra and the group rather than overpower them. Good Kirtan involves listening as much as playing.
How to Start Kirtan at Home in 10 Minutes a Day
One of the best ways to begin is to attend Kirtan evenings in your area or while you travel. Listen to how the leader introduces each mantra, how the group answers and how the music changes as the chant develops. You will learn a lot simply by being in the room.
At home, a short daily routine is all you need. These simple steps can help you begin:
Choose one mantra. Pick one of the beginner mantras above and listen to a recording of it several times.
Learn its meaning. Find out what the words mean, so that you know what you are singing and why.
Sing along softly. Start by humming, then sing quietly with the recording until the words feel natural.
Practise for 10 minutes a day. A short, regular practice brings more progress than a long session once a month.
End in silence. After chanting, sit quietly for a minute or two and notice how you feel.
If you want to learn harmonium, practise the instrument and your voice separately at first. When both feel comfortable, slowly bring them together, starting with a very simple melody.
Dreaming of Leading Kirtan One Day?
Leading Kirtan is much more than knowing how to sing a mantra. A Kirtan leader listens carefully to the group, holds the rhythm, gives the melody clearly and leaves enough space for people to answer. Good leadership feels like an invitation rather than a performance.
You also learn how to choose the right key, work together with other musicians and feel when to build the energy or bring the chant back into stillness. These skills grow through experience and through guidance from an experienced teacher. They cannot be learned simply by memorising one fixed arrangement.
As you grow more confident, you also learn to improvise and respond to what is happening in the room. If this path is calling you, read Become a Kirtan Leader: Training with Punnu Wasu to discover the next steps.
Learn Kirtan with Punnu Wasu: A Life Rooted in Devotional Music
For Punnu Wasu, Kirtan is not something he discovered later in life. He was born and raised in Hyderabad, India, in a family deeply rooted in Kirtan and spirituality, and devotional music has been part of his life since early childhood. His father, a respected Kirtan singer, was his first teacher.
Punnu began learning harmonium and receiving vocal training from his father at the age of five. As a boy, he travelled with his father throughout India, singing the sacred verses of Kirtan. Growing up surrounded by mantra, sacred chanting and the devotional traditions of India, including the Kirtan of the Sikh tradition, gave him a natural and direct relationship with the music he shares today.
He remains deeply grateful to his father for introducing him to Kirtan and teaching him to sing. He also honours the many other teachers and spiritual masters who have guided him along the way, and this respect for tradition is an important part of how he teaches.
More Than 50 Years of Kirtan and Vocal Training
Today Punnu brings more than 50 years of Kirtan and vocal practice to his work as a Kirtan artist and teacher. At the age of ten, he began studying Indian classical music (Hindustani music), which he has now practised for more than 45 years. This classical training shaped his whole musical approach, from his understanding of ragas and rhythm to the way he trains the voice.
Punnu has also performed Kirtan at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, one of the most sacred places of Kirtan in the world. He has also been featured in the documentary The Power of Mantra, which explores the transformative power of sound and mantra.
A Multi-Instrumentalist with Many Musical Colours
Alongside voice and harmonium, Punnu has studied tabla, various percussion instruments and mandolin. Today he performs around the world, offering a unique blend of traditional Kirtan, Xtatic Kirtan, Indian fusion, Indian classical music, Sufi music, Bollywood music and world music. This wide musical background has given him a deep understanding of melody, rhythm, listening and improvisation.
Rather than depending on fixed arrangements, Punnu works intuitively with music and senses how the voice and the instruments can answer one another. This is especially valuable in Kirtan, because every group, every musician and every evening creates a different musical experience. His students learn not only songs, but how to listen and respond.
Understanding the Mantras You Sing
Because Punnu grew up with Indian spiritual traditions, his students learn the pronunciation, meaning and cultural background of each mantra, not only its melody. This is especially valuable with Sanskrit, where one word or verse can hold layers of meaning that a short English translation cannot fully express.
For anyone who wants to lead Kirtan one day, this understanding is essential. Knowing where a mantra comes from and what it means allows you to share it with care, clarity and respect.
A Lifelong Student of Voice and Music
Even after more than five decades of music, Punnu continues to work with his voice, practise vocal activation and explore new instruments and musical possibilities. For him, Kirtan is not something to be finished or mastered quickly. There is always another layer of voice, listening, rhythm and mantra to discover.
For beginners, this is reassuring. You do not need to be perfect to enjoy Kirtan, and the practice can grow with you over many years.
Kirtan Trainings with Punnu Wasu in Bali and Switzerland
If you feel inspired to go deeper, Punnu offers two Kirtan trainings each year, one in Bali and one in Switzerland. All levels are warmly welcome, from complete beginners who have never sung or touched a harmonium to experienced singers, musicians and Kirtan leaders. You do not need to want to become a Kirtan leader to join, and many students come simply to develop their voice, learn harmonium, understand mantra more deeply or bring chanting into their own practice.
Punnu meets every student exactly where they are. Whether you are taking your very first steps or want to refine the skills you already have, he gives you personal guidance and helps you grow at your own pace. During the training, students are divided into small groups according to their level and experience, so everyone learns at the right speed and gets the attention they need. He is joined by his musician friends and fellow music teachers, who bring their own experience and love of music to the training, so you learn in a warm and supportive circle of musicians who share your passion for Kirtan.
Learn more about Kirtan Training in Bali.
Learn more about Kirtan Training in Switzerland.
Kirtan for Beginners: Your Questions Answered
Is Kirtan suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. You do not need any experience in singing, music, yoga or meditation to join a Kirtan. You can begin by listening and join the chanting whenever you feel comfortable.
Do I need to know Sanskrit?
No. Beginners learn by listening to the leader and repeating the words. If you later want to deepen your practice or lead Kirtan, learning the correct pronunciation and meaning of each mantra becomes more and more valuable.
Do I need to play the harmonium?
No. You can take part fully in Kirtan without playing any instrument. The harmonium becomes useful when you want to accompany your own voice or lead Kirtan for others.
Is the harmonium difficult to learn?
The basics are very accessible, even for people with no musical background. Coordinating the bellows, the keys and your voice takes some practice, but you can start with very simple melodies and grow step by step.
How long does a Kirtan last?
Most Kirtan evenings last between one and two hours, with several mantras sung one after another. At festivals and special celebrations, Kirtan can continue for many hours or even through the night.
Can I learn Kirtan only for myself?
Absolutely. You do not need to become a teacher or a Kirtan leader. Many people learn mantra, harmonium and voice simply because they want to deepen their own practice and enjoy chanting at home.
Ready to Begin Your Kirtan Journey?
Kirtan can begin very simply. You might start by listening to a mantra, joining a Kirtan evening or allowing yourself to sing with a group for the first time. You do not need to understand everything before you begin, and you do not need a perfect voice.
As your interest grows, you may want to learn the meaning of the mantras, play the harmonium, develop your voice or explore the philosophy of Bhakti Yoga. Some people eventually feel called to lead Kirtan, while others keep chanting because it has become a source of joy and peace in their daily life. There is no need to rush, because Kirtan can be explored for a lifetime.
If you would like to experience Kirtan with a teacher who has lived this tradition since childhood, Punnu Wasu warmly invites you to join his Kirtan Training in Bali or his Kirtan Training in Switzerland. Come as you are, bring your voice and an open heart, and discover how much joy, peace and connection can grow from one simple mantra.