Kirtan at Kailo
A Devotional Practice of Voice and Heart
Kirtan is the practice of chanting together. It’s a form of Bhakti yoga, often described as the yoga of devotion.
Through simple, repetitive chanting, we create rhythm, presence and a sense of shared connection. The practice is open to everyone, regardless of musical background, voice, or experience.
You don’t need to know the words or understand the meaning. You are invited to come as you are, and take part in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Why Kirtan?
Kirtan offers a different way to arrive in stillness. For some, sitting in silence can be difficult. Chanting gives the mind something to rest on, while the body finds its own natural rhythm. Over time, repetition can quiet the noise of the day and soften the edges of thought.
This is not a performance. It’s not about how your voice sounds. It’s about the experience of being together in sound, and allowing that to open something inward. The practice helps many people feel more grounded, calm, and connected. Both to themselves and to others.
What Is Kirtan?
Kirtan is a form of collective chanting rooted in the Indian devotional tradition. Often described as meditation through sound, it is both simple and profound. A chant is offered (often in Sanskrit) and echoed back by the group. This goes on for several rounds, building a gentle rhythm that carries the practice forward. Some chants are slow and meditative. Others are more lively and full of movement.
You’re free to join in however you like. Some people sing along, others hum quietly or simply listen. You can sit upright on a cushion, lie down with a blanket, or rest against the wall. There’s no right way to take part.
The practice begins with a short introduction and ends with quiet rest. The room is softly lit, and all props are provided.
Why Practice Kirtan?
This practice can calm the nervous system, soothe the heart, and create a sense of spaciousness inside. You may not leave the room with answers, but you might leave with a softer question. Or simply a feeling of having been somewhere true.
Kirtan is also an act of devotion. Not in the religious sense, but in the human sense. Devotion to stillness. To joy. To presence. To the practice of being here, fully.
Our Approach at Kailo
At Kailo, kirtan is offered with care and depth. These evenings are held in a quiet, candlelit space with mats and bolsters to sit or rest on. The practice is guided by a teacher, who shares from his own path of Bhakti and the Baul tradition. A poetic, heart-centered lineage that informs both the music and the energy of the gathering.
The teacher offers chants, invocations, and songs drawn from ancient texts and living experience. The harmonium becomes a steady companion, grounding the space. Drums and soft percussion may accompany, but the true instrument is the shared voice of the group.
There is no need to understand the meaning of the words. The vibration of the sound is the teaching.
What to Expect
Kirtan usually lasts around 75 minutes. We begin by settling into the space and introducing the practice. We will guide you through a series of chants, each with its own tone and energy. Instruments like harmonium or hand drums may accompany the voice, but the sound is always soft and supportive.
There is no performance element, no hierarchy in the room. Everyone is part of the experience, whether you sing or sit in silence.
After the chanting, we rest. You’re welcome to stay for tea, speak with others, or leave quietly. The pace is gentle, and there is no pressure to participate in any particular way.
Who It’s For
This practice is open to all. You do not need to be a yoga practitioner, a singer, or someone with a spiritual background. If you are curious about sound, or simply feel the pull to gather in something deeper than words, you are welcome.
Whether you join often or only once, whether you sing or sit quietly the entire time, this space belongs to you too.
The Kailo Space
Our studio is designed to feel soft, warm and simple. There are no mirrors or bright lights. Only mats, cushions and space to arrive as you are. We provide everything you need for comfort, including bolsters, blankets, and tea. You’re free to come a little early to settle in, or stay afterwards to let the experience land.
Join Us
Kirtan takes place regularly at Kailo. You can book your spot online. If you have any questions or wonder whether it’s the right space for you, we’re happy to talk.
We look forward to singing with you.
