Kirtan

Love Kirtan meditation and live in Melbourne? Welcome! We’ve done the research to show you the evening Kirtan and chanting events across Melbourne.

Kirtan is such a wonderful family activity to attend or still enjoyable solo or with a partner. It’s the perfect antidote to a stressful week at the office and we’d love to see more events happening around the city.

Kirtan in Melbourne

In creating this guide, we’re covering both bands and kirtan events that happen around Melbourne.

Some of these are regular (at least once per week) while some only happen every few months. Either way – you should consider visiting quite a few of these and finding one that speaks to your soul.

Here’s what you’ve got available:

1. Goluka House aka ASMY Melbourne (Mantra Room)

The best kirtan experience in Melbourne goes to Gokula House! They run a kirtan event here which is open to the general public every Sunday from 5pm.

You don’t need to book at all. The session runs from 5pm to 8pm with dinner served from 7pm (optional and by donation). Everyone is welcome and this place is especially popular with kids.

2. Melbourne Kirtan Yoga / Vedic Vibe (Kirtan Collective)

This place is a rad place to visit but unlike the other options here, isn’t as popular. They have hosted the hugely popular Deva Premal & Miten with Manose in Melbourne when they last visited.

Vedic Vibe is an absolutely beautiful band with some of their chants now available online. Better yet – get alone to one of their live events held around Melbourne – both indoors and outdoors – as you won’t regret it!

Check them out here: www.vedicvibe.com.au

3. Chant Yoga

Fancy some chanting and chai afterwards? Well once per month (on the 3rd Friday of the Month) is where Chant Cartel runs their chanting evenings. It’s located at the famous CERES in Brunswick East and costs $20, with doors opening at 7pm.

This place is becoming increasingly popular with Melbourne’s hippy and alternative scene. Some people are driving up to an hour to attend which is impressive! Well worth your attendance.

4. ISKCON Melbourne

We’ve left one of the best Melbourne Kirtan spaces until last! If you’re into the Hare Krishna movement, then you simply can’t look past the original and the best place to experience this mantra and movement.

Iskcon Temple Melbourne offers plenty of chanting on a weekly basis with a vegetarian feast always offered afterwards. The temple is HUGE and kids are more than welcome here.

Getting started

Now that you’ve seen what Melbourne offers to kirtan fans, let’s share with you some quick tips:

• Plan to get there early to find a good car park as some of these venues are in built up areas.
• You don’t need to memorize mantras or even chant along. Simply listening is enough to escape from the stresses of everyday life.
• Leave your phone in the car. You don’t need it and it’s considered rude to be checking your phone during any chanting. Again – this is your chance to escape.
• Everyone is friendly, so even if you’re going solo, you can expect to get to know a few new people.

Most importantly – have fun! Sometimes it takes checking out a few kirtan bands and venues before you find your zen-space!

Krishna Das does come to Melbourne every few years so look out for his events calendar. Likewise the Confest and Rainbow Serpent Festivals both have multiple kirtan bands during their annual events.

Have you tried any of these? Let us know in the comments.

Are you looking for Kirtan in Bali? This form of meditation through active call and response chanting is popular and here are the best places around.

Whether you’re travelling or a local, there are so much to feel when you’re there on the floor listening to those transcendental sounds and chanting along with others. However, choosing the right kirtanista band is just as important.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best places to find Kirtan in Ubud.

Bali Kirtan – Ubud and Canggu

We’ve done the research for you and this is what we’ve come up with:

1. Anand Ashram Ubud

Anand Ashram in Bali is definitely the place to find the biggest kirtan turnout anywhere in Indonesia. Hundreds of people make the trip here every month to join in the incredible chanting.

Every morning at 6am there is chanting. Every evening at 6pm there is chanting. And which days are these held? Every single day of the week and weekend. ? This is the best place in Ubud to get regular kirtan. Let’s not forget the yoga classes, agnihotra and meditation also offered. Kirtan/chanting is by donation.

2. The Yoga Barn

Not surprisingly Ubud’s most popular yoga studio ‘The Yoga Barn’ has kirtan events on regularly. In fact they’re on at least once per week and everyone is certainly welcome to attend.

The band Punnuwasu by Punnu Singh Wasu plays here quite regularly every Thursday as does Greg Kaps. Either way, you’re more than welcome to come and yes, there is an entrance fee.

3. Samadi Bali Kirtan

Head along to kirtan and bhajans to explore the connection with indian deities for the first time. You’ll find Samadi over in the sea-side town of Canggu in Bali.

This chant is lead by Ana Lucia and generally costs 100 IDR per person which is quite affordable. It’s a chance to share your beautiful voice and presence with others, or simply to soak in the goodness of chanting.

4. Estatic kirtan dancing in Bali

Perhaps you’re not into the mellow nature of chanting on the floor and want something a bit more?

Well – there is some great news! Bali is known for its hippy party scene with estatic dancing available.

Our #1 recommendation is Shambhala dance at the popular Paradiso. Events here are run regularly. This is the cinema above the organic cafe.

5. Bali Spirit Festival

The last on our list is the famous Bali Spirit Festival! There is no doubt that this is where you’ll find your ultimate and focused kirtan experience in all of Indonesia. Literally there are several Kirtan bands playing each day for the week-long festival.

Now – tickets to Bali Spirit Festival are a bit expensive. However, it can be certainly worth it and thousands of people attend every single year. It’s a once per year event often happening in the first few months.

Gettting started

Now that you’re prepped with some great ideas, it’s time to get out there. If this is your first time in Kirtan, let us help you a little:

• Arrive early for the best seats! Kirtan is very popular in Bali with both the local and tourist crowds.
• You don’t need to know all the mantras. You can memorize them before hand but there are often screens where you can see the lyrics.
• Try to keep your eyes closed. It isn’t a performance. Instead, it’s a journey where you can feel like a million miles away.
• Dress comfortably. You don’t need to dress up for Kirtan though having the knees and elbows covered is a good sign of respect, for both men and women.

The best advice is to always drag a friend along so it feels less uncomfortable. No doubt you’ll find some like-minded souls along the way too.

Given these options, it’s best to try them all out!

Have you visited any of these kirtan bands or musicians already? Let us know in the comments below.

Sydney is blessed to have multiple Kirtan events run in the evenings and so we’ll show you some of the best Sydney Kirtan events that welcome beginners.

We want to genuinely help you find the message of kirtan meditation. This music takes you away from the challenges of everyday life and into a real inner oasis.

It’s time to start.

Sydney’s Best Kirtan Meditation Events

In creating this list, we looked at the most popular kirtanistas (aka kirtan bands and soloists) as well as venues around the city.

Here’s what we came up with:

1. Govindas Kirtan House / ISKCON

Head over to Govindas in Darlinghurst several times per week for the best kirtan around. Bring some cash as you can then have a by-donation dinner afterwards.

Yes – this is part of the Hare Krishna (ISKCON) community and culture centre. However, they welcome people from diverse backgrounds all the time.

2. Kirtan Sydney

For true mantra, music and meditation, it’s hard to go past the new startup called Kirtan Sydney. This community has grown massively in the last year or so as a collective of bhakti yoga practioners.

They also run outdoor kirtan events and workshops. For their indoor events it’s best to book ahead of time if it’s your 1st time going.

3. Bhakti Lounge Sydney

Every Saturday at 6pm marks the start of the weekly blissout sessions with Bhakti Lounge Sydney. It’s $10 to get in (which covers your vegan feast afterwards) and you’ll find them at Bondi Junction.

This is a wonderful spot to really go deep on the journey of mantra meditation and contemplate yoga wisdom. You’ll be craving for more – both in food and in those beautiful sounds!

4. Sound Samadhi

This is one of Sydney’s most popular kirtan bands which plays around the city quite regularly.

Their events are welcoming of all people and backgrounds. Krishna Das one is one their biggest influences and he visits Sydney every couple of years.

5. Wollongong Kirtan

Right – so this is going to be a bit of a drive (1 hour south) but if you head down to Wollongong, you’ll come across the Heart&Soul Kirtan & Meditation Centre. This band does head up to Hurstville in Sydney quite often to play too.

The people here are just genuinely good people who come from the heart. This kirtan community of Wollongong has been running for a couple of years now within the Govinda Valley retreat at 51 Lady Carrington Road, Otford NSW

6. Gauranga Kirtan

Kirtan bands are in Parramatta so there’s no need to make the trip into the city! A good alternative is called Gauranga Kirtan with both live classes and workshops.

This is more-so popular with the indian community (hence the events in Parramatta) while the others on this list are more popular with westerners. Either way – both are more than welcome here.

7. ASMY Sydney

Known as the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga, there are locations all across the country. For Sydney, you’ll find them at 154-160 Broadway in Chippendale, just outside the city and located by University of Notre Dame.

While located on the main road, the place is downstairs so you won’t hear the road noise. One thing you’ll struggle with is parking, so get there early and bring cash for dinner afterwards. Events here run on Sundays starting at 5pm with a western crowd.

8. Bhakti Darshan Kirtan – Blue Mountains

Fancy a drive? Go west up into the Blue Mountains where you’ll come across the Blue Mountains Kirtan and Yoga Events space. They run on the 2nd Saturday of each month in Katoomba.

Uniquely, they run their events inside a church. Given the space, there is lots of room for people to stretch out unlike the Sydney events where everyone is crammed in. The church is at 142 Katoomba St in Katoomba with train services nearby.

9. Sacred Earth Band Sydney

The beautiful Prem and Jethro Williams visit Sydney once per year and their events draw a massive crowd. You’ll find tickets to their kirtan to be sold out at least a few days prior, so you need to be quick!

If you do miss out, then head up to the Central Coast or to Newcastle for their kirtan evenings which are held a few days prior or after their Sydney tour. Likewise they are starting to do events down in Wollongong.

You’ll find their entire tour schedule on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/sacredearthmusic

10. Yoga studios offering Kirtan in Sydney

There are 2 Sydney yoga studios offering Kirtan meditation with the occasional events. Predominately they are really about the asanas and aren’t really focused on kirtan, but well worth the mention:

• Kundalini Creative Newtown. You’ll find them at 333 King Street, Newtown
• Qi Health & Yoga in Manly. They’re on L1 at 9 The Corso, Manly NSW

Keep an eye out on their respective Facebook pages for updates.

Getting started

Now we’ve shown you all that Sydney has to offer the kirtan community, it’s time to get out there!

Before you do, here’s some quick tips:

• Don’t be shy. The kirtan community is always welcoming!
• Most of these offer vegetarian meals afterwards by donation.
• You don’t need to know all the mantras just yet. Take it easy!
• Wear normal clothing. There is no need to get dressed up.
• Get there 10 minutes early for a good seat on the floor.
• Turn off your phone! In fact, leave it in the car prior.

Have you visited any of these Sydney kirtan bands or yoga centres? Let us know in the comments.

Do you live in Queensland and need your Kirtan fix? We’re here to show you the best Queensland Kirtan brands and evening events around.

We’ve written this guide to serve Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Whether you’re traveling around or are a local, we’re here to help.

Let’s begin!

Kirtan Bands and Events Queensland

You’re in luck because we’re fortunate to have numerous kirtan bands in South-east Queensland.

Essentially, there is no reason to need to travel to the rainbow region of Northern NSW for your kirtan-fix. The good vibes are on this side of the border!

From our research, this is what we’ve come up with:

Sacred Earth Kirtan band

You need to get along to one of the Sacred Earth events. I mean – you’ve absolutely got to! They are an amazingly talented couple who have been in the kirtan space for 20-years with totally no denomination. That is, you don’t feel there is something else ‘behind it all’ – it’s just kirtan.

Check them out: https://youtu.be/arb0GRA2mVw

Sacred Earth has played in some remarkable event spaces including the Brisbane Cathedral. Jethro and Prem Williams have been also selling CDs for many years which are simply captivating.

On the Gold Coast you’ll find them at Albert Waterways Community Centre. On the Sunshine Coast they typically play at Noosa Pengari Steiner School and in Brisbane, the venue is almost always a church where the sound echos through the space.

Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga or simply known as ASMY runs even more regular kirtan events in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast where they originally started.

While ASMY is the name, the actual venue is called The Mantra Room. In Brisbane, you’ll find them in West End chanting every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings with everyone welcome, including complete beginners.

On the Gold Coast they have several locations. The main one happens to be Fradley Hall in Burleigh Heads where 100+ yogis come every Sunday at 5pm for devotional transcendental meditation and kirtan. On Friday evenings you’ll also find them in Nobby’s Beach and on Saturday’s in Coolangatta with a band called Prahlad and the Chants.

Hare Krishna and ISKCON society

Naturally as you’d expect, the Hare Krishna community lives and breathes chanting. Often it’s the same 16-piece mantra unlike the two options outlaid above.

Southport on the Gold Coast happens to have the biggest Hare Krishna temple in Australia. You’ll find them chanting here on Saturday evenings from 7pm at 60 Johnson Street.

However, just one suburb up in Surfers Paradise and you’ll come across the Bhakti Yoga Centre. Again, from early evenings on Saturdays you’ll find them chanting and often heading on to the streets.

Head up to Brisbane where the ISKCON temple at 32 Jennifer St in Seventeen Mile Rocks about 20 minutes south-west of the city is a place to find a real community. This is hugely popular so get there early from 6pm.

Shanti Yoga Southport

We previously created a list of the yoga studios in Southport where Shanti Yoga was mentioned. Head here during the week if you live on the Gold Coast for a quick kirtan fix. This is free and you might wish to attend one of their earlier yoga classes while you’re there.

Unlike the other studios, the students here are encouraged to partake in the chanting and even lead it at times. Well worth visiting if you’re in the area!

Sunshine Coast Kirtan

Unfortunately at this stage, regular kirtan events on the Sunshine Coast are limited. Look out for the regular yoga and hippy festivals including Woodford Folk Fest and drag some friends along for the party!

In summary

There we have it! Some really beautiful kirtan music that you’ll find in the region. We’re going to update this list as time goes on to give yogis and yoginis a chance to find outlets where they can find true stillness through the power of kirtan.

By the way – Krishna Das also visits Australia every 2 years and has been in Brisbane a few times. Keep an eye out on event details from Chris Hooper!

Have you visited any of these? Who’s you’re favourite? Let us know in the comments below.