Kitchari Kirtan (KK) of Cambridge was hosted by Shri. Tamal Lena and his wife Smt. Shakti Lena at their beautifully decorated residence in Cambridge from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, on Friday, 15 February 2019. Both warmly welcomed a hall full of Kirtan lovers to open their hearts for experiencing this healing experience.

Friendly greeters at the door received everyone with their big smile. Everyone enjoyed tasty Kitchari-savory meal of rice and beans from India, along with chai tea which was lovingly prepared by Shakti and others. After eating and greeting, most of them sat on the floor, although chairs were usually available for those who cannot sit on the floor. 

Kirtan is considered as a sing-along music concert. The lead singer sings the mantra, and the audience sings it back. It is a very simple and powerful way to meditate. Kirtan lovers chant Sanskrit sacred mantra and sacred names of the deities which can quiet the mind if listened to with intention.  The vibration of sacred sound of the mantras yields love and connects with the Divine as everything and everyone of us are connected. Many of the Kirtan songs are done in a responsive fashion where everyone can participate and experience the purifying pleasure of the chanting.

KK invited Santosha Kirtan, a Massachusetts-based group of musicians and friends as a featuring team of the event. Santosha Kirtan team sang a mix of traditional and original kirtan chants and some songs in English. in a relaxed and interactive call and response manner with the audience. The music was upbeat and rejuvenating as well as soothing and meditative. The Santosha Kirtan team presented to the audience Naomi Edelman as a lead vocal on harmonium; Emily Jawadekar, as a lead vocal with kartals and on harmonium; Joe Johnson as a lead vocal on cello; Paul Erlich on guitar and piano; Lauren Angelone, djembe, percussion and harmony vocal. Kirtan singers experienced a deep connection with the musicians, the other audience members.  And when the music stopped, their mind felt peace and quietness.

One of the Kirtan singers said that I love Kirtan concerts because all voices merge together and become one voice. It helps us reconnect with the Divinity that resides within all of us.

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