About Kirtan
"Kirtan (“chanting”) is a cross-cultural, participatory experience that originated in India many centuries ago. Recently featured in Time Magazine, this musical genre utilizes ancient Sanskrit mantras in a call-and-response format that incorporates the audience right into the performance. Milwaukee’s Kirtan with Ragani is the largest ongoing and independent kirtan scene in the United States, drawing hundreds of participants of diverse ages, backgrounds and beliefs.
"The form of kirtan is as follows: the melody and instrumentation begin slowly, increase in intensity and speed as the chant progresses, and slow again at the end of the chant. Often participants will clap hands or use shakers to add to the rhythm and enthusiasm of the chant. Formally a part of bhakti yoga, the devotional path of yoga, and nada yoga, the science of sound & vibration, kirtan is quickly becoming one of the leading forms of participatory world music.
"The music of kirtan is both heartfelt and spirited, although styles of participation will vary from artist to artist. Everyone can participate—there are no prerequisites, no special talents or skills, and no religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds that are needed to take part in the kirtan experience. As interest in the world’s sacred music continues to expand, kirtan offers an opportunity for individuals and groups to come together, to call forth that unifying divine link within us all. In this manner, kirtan offers us a means to discover and to reconnect to the heart of our humanity."
- Excerpt from www.RaganiWorld.com and Maggie Jacobus' text
"May these chants remind you of all that you adore in life.
May they keep you company and guide you as they have
guided so many others before. May their shakti [energy]
awaken the deepest of your dreams and cast you forever
into a world of inspiration and auspiciousness, a world
where dreams do come true."
- Excerpt from Ragani's award-winning CD, Best of Both Worlds
COPYRIGHT 2001 PROSPERITY MATTERS, LLC [www.RaganiWorld.com] THE TEXT AND KIRTAN DESCRIPTIONS ON THIS PAGE ARE STRICTLY COPYRIGHTED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO REPRODUCTION OF IMAGES OR TEXT IS ALLOWED WITHOUT THE AUTHOR'S EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION. IF YOU WISH TO USE EXCERPTS OF OUR KIRTAN STATEMENTS FOR YOUR WEBSITE OR OTHER PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS, YOU MUST OBTAIN WRITTEN PERMISSION.
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