kirtan with jahnavi harrison oct 2017

Kirtan is a form of devotional chanting with roots going back many centuries in India. It is a primary practice on the path of Bhakti Yoga. The singing is accompanied by musical instruments and rhythmic drumming and the audience is encouraged to participate by chanting, clapping and dancing. It is deep, authentic, and great fun! As recommended by saints and sages, the collective singing of sacred mantras is the simplest method to reconnect with ourselves, with others and with the Divine.

Each session will begin with a meditation and a concise sharing of essential teachings from sacred texts. You will then be guided into singing call-and-response chants from the bhakti tradition. No previous experience is required and all are welcome. The session will conclude with vegan refreshments.

Jahnavi was born and raised in a family of bhakti yoga practitioners at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire. She has been leading kirtan internationally for the last 10 years, and the rest of the time works as a writer, broadcaster, musician and visual artist. She also helps to run ‘Kirtan London’, a project which aims to make sacred mantra music accessible and relevant to a wider audience, holding weekly events throughout the year. She writes on her blog www.littleconch.com and speaks regularly on BBC Radio 2’s ‘Pause for Thought’.

“When she sings and plays one feels that one is eavesdropping on the music of the Gods. She needs no recommendation, one only has to have ears to hear her and one knows immediately that we are in the presence of grace.” —Krishna Das

“Jahnavi Harrison is a being of total devotion. Listen to her sing and let the doors of your heart fly open.” —Jai Uttal