Some discriptions of Kirtan on internet on other websites.
Aantal omschrijvingen van Kirtan op andere websites (vertalingen volgen).
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtan
Kirtan or kirtana (Sanskrit: “praise, eulogy”, also sankirtan) is call-and-response chanting or “responsory” performed in India’s bhakti devotional traditions. A person performing kirtan is known as a kirtankar, or kirtaniya. Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, 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.
Website Vaiyasaki Das
http://www.kirtan.org/what_is_kirtan.php
The Sanskrit word, Kirtan, means to glorify, and sanga kirtan, shortened to sankirtan, means glorification in the association of others, or the congregational singing of divine mantras with devotion.
The Sanskrit word, mantra, can be broken etymologically into two root words, mana which means the mind, and tra which means to deliver. Thus, a mantra has the power to deliver the mind from material consciousness or perception, to spiritual consciousness or enlightenment
Nama Kirtan refers to singing the divine names of one’s personal worshipful Deity. The understanding is that the name of God is non-different from God, because spiritual nature is absolute. In this way the devotee can associate with God through the sound representation of the divine name. The Vedic conception of God is both masculine and feminine. There is always a feminine counterpart which is an expression of divine love, or devotion, while the masculine energy expresses divine power.
Akhanda nama kirtan refers to the continuous non-stop singing of kirtan by various groups of singers, usually singing for two hours at a time before the next group takes over. This event, or festival, may last for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or even for a whole week, without ever stopping. The Sanskrit word Akhanda means non-stop.
Kirtans are sung in two moods or bhavas: Sambhoga bhava – this is the mood of joy that one experiences in association with the beloved. Vipralambha bhava – this is the mood of longing that one experiences during separation from the beloved
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GauraVani.com
website dedicated to presenting and proliferating the music and lifestyle of kirtan, aka mantra music. http://www.gauravani.com
Kirtan is a form of devotional chanting whose roots go back over 500 years to India. It is a form of Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion) and has the power to open the heart. The singing is accompanied by musical instruments and rhythmic drumming and the audience is encouraged to participate by chanting, clapping and dancing. In a big group, you will not be able to resist the urge to join in! In its heartfelt expression kirtan can induce profound states of meditation, bliss and ecstasy.
There is a sweet sound vibration that permeates through all layers of coverings and makes God dance. That sound vibration is Kirtan. It is a mysterious connection that draws people to each other.
In a simple word, Kirtan is relief. It has been described as the beating of the heart of the soul. For the twenty-first century person living in the west, life is all about the pursuit of happiness. We are guaranteed life and liberty, but kirtan is the means and end toward achieving the happiness that people are searching for. Through the chanting of the names of God, kirtan awakens the soul to its natural position, connects with God, clears the heart of all the distractions that can stress one living in this high tech age, and at the very least, make a person feel better about their day through the wonderful music.
Kirtan is not exclusive to simply those in Indian attire or those who practice yoga. Anyone can join in at any time and joyfully sing along, clap their hands and become a key musician to this age-old art form. We strive to awaken the entire world to Kirtan. It can be performed anywhere that someone is willing to do it. A willingness to perform the Kirtan is the only requirement. Kirtan is a scientific study in the pursuit of happiness. If by the end of a thirty minute kirtan, one feels happier, then it has been a success.