Overview
Kirtan (Sanskrit: कीर्तन; IAST: Kīrtana), also rendered as Kiirtan or Keertan, is a Sanskrit term meaning "narrating, reciting, telling, or describing" an idea or story, particularly within the context of Indian religions. The word also denotes a genre of devotional performance art native to the Indian subcontinent, comprising musical narration, shared recitation, or congregational singing of spiritual and religious themes. A performer of kirtan is referred to as a kirtankara (कीर्तनकार).
Tracing its roots to the Vedic anukirtana tradition, kirtan is generally rendered in a call-and-response or antiphonal style, set to music. Multiple singers may recite the names of a deity, narrate a legend, express loving devotion, or expound spiritual ideas. Performances often include dancing or the direct expression of bhavas (emotive states) by the lead singer. Many kirtans are structured to involve the audience, who either repeat the chant or respond to the cues of the principal performer.
Kirtan performances are typically accompanied by regionally popular musical instruments. Common accompaniments include the Indian harmonium; stringed instruments such as the veena, sitar, or ektara; percussion such as the tabla, mridanga, or pakhawaj; flutes; and cymbals like the karatalas or talas. Performances are sometimes interwoven with story-telling and acting, with texts drawing on religious, mythological, or social subjects.
Kirtan is a significant devotional practice in several Indian religious traditions. It is prominent in Hinduism, particularly within Vaishnava devotionalism, and is also a central element of worship in Sikhism and the Sant traditions. Forms of kirtan are likewise found in certain Buddhist communities and other religious groups across the subcontinent.
References
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on Kirtan.