Kirtan comes to us as a path of common uprising into a state of connection to the Divine. As a devotional practice, kirtan is an important part of many religious traditions. In 16th century Bengal, India, Kirtan emerged in a way similar to the American folk tradition that served as a vehicle for social movement in the 50's and 60's. Caitanya Mahaprabhu, revered by many as an avatar of Lord Krishna, ignited a cultural renaissance with his popularization of Kirtan in the streets and public spaces of the region. Salimullah Khan, a noted linguist, maintains,"Sixteenth century is the time of Chaitanya Dev, and it is the beginning of Modernism in Bengal. The concept of 'humanity' that came into fruition is contemporaneous with that ofEurope". Kirtan is both an opportunity to experience the bliss of chanting and to actualize any desire to be of service in the greater community. Through community we raise our voices and our hearts to our highest selves and the greatest good.
Kitchari Kirtan is a unique program developed by Bhakti poet Tom Lena. Kitchari is a sattvic vegetarian dish, a dish from the ancient ayurvedic medicinal tradition of India that gently brings balance to the body and the mind. Kitchari calms and prepares us for Kirtan. In Kirtan we sing in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, guided by a mellifluous band of instruments, including our very own Clarence Dow on his cello. Ranging from intimately prayerful to ecstatically soulful, Kirtan invites our voices to sing, our bodies to dance, and our minds to merge with the bliss of being consciously human. Child care will be provided for little ones 6 and under.
