Community Kirtan
Now at the Historic Eagle House Hotel
What is Community Kirtan?
Community Kirtan is a monthly in-person gathering that brings people together to chant and share in the vibration of the repetition of the names of the divine. Rooted in the Bhakti yoga tradition, Kirtan is a call-and-response style of mantra singing that invites you into a joyful, meditative state. It’s not a musical performance, and having a “good” voice isn’t important to the practice—what matters is participation, connection, and community.
Who is leading the Kirtan?
This event is hosted by Yamuna Devi Dasi (Geneva Elise), an advanced yoga instructor initiated into the Bhakti path in 2025 by her teachers Shyam Vallabhi Devi Dasi and Chaitanya Nitai Das. Yamuna is new to offering Kirtan (and singing in front of people.), and yet she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for people to come together and has herself been deeply transformed by the power of Kirtan. She aims to cultivate an experience that helps participants connect with themselves and each other while sharing this profoundly beautiful practice.
What to expect?
Each Kirtan begins with an opening ritual and meditation, helping you settle into your body and connect with those around you. Over the 90-minute gathering, Yamuna will share stories about the deities we will be chanting to, along with heartfelt spiritual teachings that resonate with the moment. Most of the chanting is in Sanskrit, an ancient language central to the yogic tradition. Even if you’ve never heard Sanskrit before, chanting the divine names has a powerful, uplifting effect that anyone can access. After the Kirtan, we will share prasad—a small offering of food that has been blessed during the gathering. Receiving prasad is a sweet moment to connect with others and extends the energy and blessings of the Kirtan.
Who is Community Kirtan for?
Community Kirtan is for anyone curious about or interested in Kirtan—no prior experience is needed. This is a donation based. social, heart-centered gathering meant to bring people together and build a sense of community. You may be invited to pick up an instrument or connect with someone new, but everything is optional and you won't be singled out or forced to sing! Whether it’s your first Kirtan or you’re a regular practitioner, you’re most welcome. Each Kirtan is a unique experience and there is something meaningful to take away every time.
How can I participate?
You can participate simply by showing up—bringing your positive energy into the space is enough to make an impact. You’re also welcome to join in the call-and-response chanting, play your own instrument, or borrow one of ours. Have a chant you’d like to lead or want to practice with the Kirtan band? Wonderful! Reach out to Yamuna, and she’ll help make it happen. The vision of Community Kirtan is that everyone is welcome to contribute to this devotional practice in whatever way they feel called.
