Kirtan Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know…

To Attend a Kirtan Concert, Book a Live Kirtan Band for your Event, or Host a Kirtan Party for Family and Friends

What is a Kirtan Party?

An opportunity to gather your friends and family and provide a live, interactive and totally inspiring music experience for them.

Is this appropriate for kirtan beginners?

Oh yes, the only pre-requisite is that you can breath.  The band carries the music part so no one has to feel any pressure about doing it “right.”

Is kirtan difficult?

It’s only difficult if you try not to sing .  Repetitions of mantras are a’plenty, so you never have to worry that you’re not going to get it.  Everyone catches on and everyone sings.

Can you dance to live kirtan music?

Oh yes, here’s a kirtan dance recording from someone’s iPhone that you can catch the vibe. And a video that will make you dance!

Can a kirtan be used as a way to mark a sacred event?

Yes, kirtan (interactive or performed without audience participation) fits beautifully such as a wedding, house warming or other life transition that deserves some extra special attention.

Can you bring a kirtan band to my festival?

Yes, send any requests to beth at bethmartens.com.

How much do I have to invest in a kirtan party?

A rough guideline is 15 people at $15 per person, for solo kirtan leader, Beth Martens to guide kirtan for one hour.  Want to get the band, as many as 7 additional and fantastic players with two drummers?  Then we’ll talk!

How much space do I need to host a kirtan party?

Your living room is fine, a big living room if you want a whole band.

Is kirtan a religious practice?

No, but it is a highly charged spiritual experience that is joyful, infectious and whose effects are transformative.

Can there be children at a kirtan party?

Yes, depending on how deep a focus you are hoping for.  A general guideline is your own comfort zone.  And if you really want to get down and fully focussed, get a babysitter, or have one in the zone so kids can be entertained elsewhere if need be.  Little ones are known for their ecstatic nature and can try and command the attention – that effect may or may not be what you hope for.

Do people drink alcohol at a kirtan party?

Because of the focussed nature of kirtan chanting, keeping alcohol to a casual and social level is recommended, but there are no rules!

Where can I listen to your music?

You can get my CD’s on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and nearly any other online music source these days.  Please visit my online store to get copies of my three titles (with one more to follow):  www.bethmartens.com/onlinestore

Do you have any videos of kirtan?

Please visit Youtube for a really fun video of Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu (may all beings be peaceful).

Kirtan concert at St. Norbert Arts Centre

What dates/times are you available?

Check my online schedule at this link.

What if I can’t find a date on your schedule that works for me?

Call me at 204-775-1100 and we’ll talk!

What language are mantras in?

Most times in Sanskrit, some are Hindi and many in English as well!  Meanings are explained so people actually know what they are singing.

Is kirtan the same as yoga?

Yes, kirtan is a form of yoga – yoga through the repetition of mantras, meditation and joy.

What is the origin of kirtan?

Kirtan was born in the 15th century of India and has grown up around the last two decades in which yoga has become popular.  Read this “Enchanting Mantras” article on kirtan and Beth Martens’ music that was published in the Winnipeg Free Press, written by regular kirtan singer/journalist, Carolin Vesely.

How do I know if my friends and family are going to enjoy this if they’ve never heard it before?

1. Send them to iTunes to sample all the songs that are recorded.

 www.itunes.com/bethmartens

2. Share this video of Two Foot Take Off to give them the vibe!

Is kirtan very serious and heavy?

Not even close, the purpose of doing it is to be happy and joyful.

What is the purpose of doing kirtan?

Joy, focus, community connection, supporting each other around healthy lifestyles.

How do I book you?

Email:  yoga at bethmartens.com

Phone:  204-775-1100

Background/bio:  www.bethmartens.com