DOCUMENTARY
Kirtan: The Heritage of Bengal | Trailer
Kirtan of Bengal is a devotional musical tradition rooted in the Vaishnavism of medieval Bengal, particularly associated with the Bhakti movement and the worship of Lord Krishna. It emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries, significantly shaped by the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a mystic saint and social reformer who emphasised ecstatic devotion (bhakti) and collective singing of the name of Lord Krishna.
Chaitanya's influence helped institutionalise Kirtan as a spiritual practice, where devotees would gather to sing the names and stories of Krishna in an emotionally charged, call-and-response format. These Kirtans often featured a rich blend of music, poetry, and dramatic storytelling, and became central to the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
Over the centuries, Bengali Kirtan evolved into various forms, including Naam Kirtan, Leela Kirtan, and Padabali Kirtan, drawing from the devotional poetry of medieval Bengali poets like Vidyapati and Chandidas. The genre blended classical and folk traditions, creating a distinct emotional and musical language.
In modern times, Bengali Kirtan continues to thrive in temples, festivals, and cultural gatherings, sustaining its legacy as both a spiritual and artistic expression of Bengali devotion.
Chaitanya's influence helped institutionalise Kirtan as a spiritual practice, where devotees would gather to sing the names and stories of Krishna in an emotionally charged, call-and-response format. These Kirtans often featured a rich blend of music, poetry, and dramatic storytelling, and became central to the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
Over the centuries, Bengali Kirtan evolved into various forms, including Naam Kirtan, Leela Kirtan, and Padabali Kirtan, drawing from the devotional poetry of medieval Bengali poets like Vidyapati and Chandidas. The genre blended classical and folk traditions, creating a distinct emotional and musical language.
In modern times, Bengali Kirtan continues to thrive in temples, festivals, and cultural gatherings, sustaining its legacy as both a spiritual and artistic expression of Bengali devotion.
