Rules of Good Kirtan

Introduction

In the later summer of 1965, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada traveled from India and brought the ancient practice of kirtan to the Western world. As the pioneer of this sacred tradition, he introduced the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra as the most effective spiritual practice in this age. Through his sincere devotion and tireless preaching, he spread the joyful, transformative process of kirtan across the globe. Bhaktivedanta Swami taught that kirtan is not just music or a cultural performance but a profound means of connecting with the Divine, the Supreme Lord, through the chanting of His Holy Names. Today, this practice continues to inspire millions worldwide.

The essential rules for conducting kirtan in the authorized mood the yield the best results are:

1. What to chant in kirtan

The main chant in kirtan is the Hare Krishna maha-mantra:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

This mantra is a direct call to God, Krishna, asking Him to engage us in His devotional service. It is a personal prayer to the Lord, invoking His mercy and expressing our desire to become His instruments and serve Him with affection and love. While other authorized mantras and bhajans can be included — especially those written by great acharyas — the primary focus of the kirtan should always remain on the maha-mantra.

2. Maintain the proper mood of chanting

The mood and pace of the kirtan should vary depending on the occasion—some kirtans may be fast and joyful, while others may be slow and meditative. However, the underlying emotion should always be one of deep longing for Krishna, much like a child calling out for its parents, yearning for His protection, shelter, and love. Every syllable of the mantra must be chanted and heard attentively, as each sound carries profound spiritual potency. Kirtan is not a mechanical process but an opportunity to express our heartfelt attachment to Krishna, seeking His mercy and praying for engagement in His loving service. Whether fast or slow, the energy of the kirtan should always reflect this deep sincerity, humility, and longing for the Lord's presence.

3. Chanting with sincerity and unity

Kirtan is an offering of collective devotion to Krishna. It should be performed with sincerity and the desire to glorify the Lord, not as a musical performance or for personal recognition. The leader chants the mantra, and the group responds together in unison, creating a powerful collective atmosphere that enhances the spiritual potency of the kirtan. Unity in chanting amplifies the devotional energy, helping all participants focus on the glorification of the Lord.

4. Use simple melodies

Bhaktivedanta Swami emphasized the importance of simple melodies that everyone can easily follow. This ensures that the focus remains on the Holy Name, not on complex or distracting musical compositions. Simple tunes allow for full participation, enabling everyone to engage in the chanting and maintain a devotional mood. The simplicity of the melodies keeps the essence of kirtan — chanting the Holy Names — at the forefront.

5. Musical accompaniment

Instruments such as mridanga, kartals, and harmonium (and other) can be used to enhance the kirtan, but their role is to support the chanting, not to overshadow it. Musicians should be proficient enough on their instruments to avoid creating dissonant disturbances that might distract from the mood of the kirtan. The instruments should serve to uplift the chanting and help maintain a devotional atmosphere. The primary focus must always remain on the Holy Name, with the instruments playing a secondary, supportive role.

6. Avoid distractions

Kirtan should be a continuous, uninterrupted flow of chanting. Avoid unnecessary talking or interruptions, as these can break the devotional mood and distract from the focus on God's Holy Names. Kirtan is an immersive experience where the goal is to maintain connection (the yoga of bhakti) with the Lord through uninterrupted chanting and hearing of the Holy Names.

By following these guidelines, kirtan becomes a powerful devotional practice. It is an offering to Krishna that can purify the heart, uplift the consciousness, awaken divine love, and bring all participants closer to Him. Bhaktivedanta Swami’s introduction of kirtan to the West was a profound act of compassion, allowing countless souls to experience the transcendental joy of chanting the Holy Names.