The yoga studio fills with a diverse group of kirtan fans. Some are yogis, some have musical backgrounds and others seek connection with themselves and each other. They settle onto blankets and bolsters, awaiting the first chant. Om… Om… Om… The kirtan wallah—the leader—delivers an invocation accompanied by the harmonium, a small keyboard that produces a resonant tone as air flows through its reeds. Thus begins the call-and-response mantra chanting.

The music starts slowly as participants repeat the meditative mantras, but the kirtan wallah’s call invites more than just an echo. The blend of voices reverberating throughout the room creates a purely joyful sound. Om Namah Shivaya… Om Namah Shivaya… Then the tempo quickens and the tabla and other instruments join the harmonium. Participants begin clapping along, some spring to their feet to dance, while others remain seated, chanting and swaying. Some listen quietly.

Rooted in the Vedic traditions of ancient India, kirtan is a devotional practice of repeating words of praise and names of deities. Most mantras are in Sanskrit, the classical sacred language of India. Some mantras are familiar and simple, such as “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama.” Sometimes cheat sheets are available to help with more complicated mantras, but most of the time, participants are challenged to mimic the sounds and syllables they hear, such as “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” and “Jaya Jagatambe Ma Durga.”

For those skeptical or uninterested in devotional practices praising a deity other than their own, Grammy-nominated kirtan artist Krishna Das offers another perspective. He describes the deities as “like an older, deeper being.” These names, he says, “are the names of that place inside of us that is love, pure being, pure awareness, pure joy” (Kripalu.org). Kirtan is unique because it transcends its religious origins, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds who want to share spirituality and music.

In addition to Krishna Das, devotional artists such as Jai Uttal, Deva Premal, Nina Rao and Girish have music available for streaming on Amazon and YouTube for those who want to learn Sanskrit mantras or simply enjoy the beautiful sound of chanting. Yet, the best way to experience kirtan is live.

Tucson is fortunate to have its own kirtan ensemble. The Infinite Compassion Orchestra leads kirtan at least monthly at various locations throughout Arizona and Mexico. The kirtan wallah and other group members practice weekly at the Yoga Connection.

Plenty of research supports the benefits of chanting mantras. Chanting increases joy, calms the mind and provides emotional release (ImmersiveSoundExp.com). It has been found to relieve stress, release endorphins and activate the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system, which are critical for wellness (VagusNerve.com, ArtOfLivingRetreatCenter.org).

Kirtan appeals to those seeking inner peace, emotional healing and connection to the divine within. And it’s a lot of fun!

For more information about the Infinite Compassion Orchestra and a schedule of appearances, visit InfiniteCompassionOrchestra.com.