What is Kirtan? Two of world’s best bands to perform at Base Lounge

As Kindred Spirits VS Mayapuris

Kirtan is a relatively new to the Western world, and certainly not yet in the mainstream. It may not be clear to most of you what it is and its likely that you have yet to experience it first hand. Imagine a time when Yoga was not well known in the West, and how foreign and strange it must have seemed to the average North American. Imagine that Kirtan is like what Yoga was 15 yrs ago, and its on the verge of becoming big on the scale of today’s ‘Yoga’. You could think of Kirtan as another expression of what Yoga is, with a focus on the voice, devotion and music.

What is Kirtan? Official definition.

Kirtan (Sanskrit: “to repeat”;[1] also Sankirtan[2]) is call-and-response chanting performed in India’s devotional traditions.[3] A person performing kirtan is known as a kirtankar. Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium, the two-headed mrdanga or pakawaj drum, and karatal hand cymbals. It is a major practice in Vaisnava devotionalism, Sikhism, the Sant traditions, and some forms of Buddhism, as well as other religious groups.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtan

I’ve had the pleasure of participating in a few local Kirtan events in the past, and all of them have been really fun.  Its an uplifting and enjoyable thing to participate in.  You can hang out, sit and enjoy the music (if you’re on the shy side), or you can contribute your own voice to the mix when the kirtanars request the response or repetition of the chant they have sung. It feels good, and it doesn’t really matter if you sing in tune, or sound like a professional. I’m reminded of that saying “Dance like nobody’s watching and sing like nobody’s listening”. You’ve probably participated in the chanting of ‘Om’ at the beginning and/or ending of most Yoga classes. Kirtan is like this but so much more! There is lots of opportunity to find your voice, and feel the healing vibrations of sound in your body and being!

Kirtan with Gaura Vani + the Mayapuris

Next week, we are pleased to host a touring group of Kirtanars who have been performing together all over the world! As part of their tour through the western side of the continent, these dedicated musicians will be facilitating two events at the Base Lounge.  As you probably know, the Base Lounge has a limited capacity- so please register in advance to ensure you get a spot!

EVENT INFORMATION

Registration for all events: http://www.bellyfit.ca/baselounge/events/kirtan-with-gaura-vani-the-mayapuris

My Body is a Temple “playshop”
Monday August 16th 7:00-9:30 PM
Create a body revolution with dynamic dance and soulful sacred music!
Cost: $30 pre-register, $35 @ door (if available)

Kirtan with the Mayapuris and Gaura Vani
Tuesday August 17th 7:00-10:00 PM
Join the Mayapuris and Gaura Vani for a wonderful evening of kirtan.
Opening sets by Craig Patterson, Matt Balchin + members of Bhavantu Sound, and Laughlin Meager
Cost: $20 pre-register, $25 @ door (if available)

Kirtan Bundle
Enjoy both events and save!
Cost: $45 pre-register only.

Videos

Here are a few videos of the groups who will be at the Base Lounge!