The Sacred Chants of Banaras: The Tradition of Kirtans

Kirtans are call-and-response devotional chants that invite participants to sing praises of the divine, creating an immersive spiritual experience. A lead singer recites a line or phrase, often a name or mantra of a deity, and the gathered community responds in unison, accompanied by instruments like harmonium, tabla, dholak, and manjira. In Banaras, kirtans dedicated to Lord Rama, Hanuman, or Krishna are particularly cherished, with lyrics drawn from texts like the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas or devotional compositions by saints like Mirabai.

The repetitive nature of kirtans, combined with their melodic simplicity, allows participants of all backgrounds to join, fostering collective spirituality. Whether sung in temples, on the ghats, or in community gatherings, kirtans in Banaras evoke a sense of surrender and connection to the divine, aligning with the city’s ethos as a spiritual epicenter.

The Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is one of Banaras’s most iconic venues for kirtans. Known as the “remover of obstacles,” Hanuman inspires fervent devotion, and kirtans here are vibrant expressions of faith. Every Tuesday and Saturday, devotees gather to sing Hanuman Chalisa and other kirtans, their voices rising in harmony with the clanging of bells and rhythmic percussion. During the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, a prestigious music festival, kirtans blend with classical performances, drawing thousands who participate in the call-and-response chants.

Kirtans at Sankat Mochan often feature verses like Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo or Ram Siya Ram, celebrating Lord Rama alongside Hanuman. These sessions, led by local pandits or renowned vocalists, create an atmosphere of shared devotion, where strangers become a spiritual community through song.

Kirtans in Banaras are more than musical performances; they are acts of collective worship that strengthen social bonds. At venues like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Assi Ghat, kirtan mandalis (devotional groups) gather regularly, inviting passersby to join. These inclusive sessions break down barriers of caste, class, and age, uniting participants in a shared experience of joy and reverence.

Kirtans also play a key role in festivals like Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, and Janmashtami. During Ram Navami, kirtans based on Ram Taranis fill the air, while Janmashtami sees Krishna-centric chants like Hare Krishna Hare Rama. These events transform Banaras’s streets and ghats into open-air sanctuaries, where music becomes a medium for spiritual connection.

Kirtans in Banaras draw from the city’s rich musical traditions, incorporating elements of the Banaras Gharana’s thumri and folk forms like Bhojpuri devotional songs. Artists like Pt. Chhannulal Mishra infuse kirtans with classical nuances, while local groups add rustic melodies inspired by nirgun bhajans of Kabir. This blend of classical, folk, and devotional styles makes Banaras’s kirtans uniquely soulful.

Platforms similar to Mamta Music Banaras have popularized modern renditions of kirtans, remixing traditional chants like Hanuman Chalisa with electronic beats, appealing to younger audiences. These adaptations ensure kirtans remain relevant, even as they retain their spiritual core.

The kirtan tradition of Banaras has transcended geographical boundaries, influencing global spiritual movements. International artists like Krishna Das, inspired by Varanasi’s devotional culture, have brought Banaras-style kirtans to Western audiences, performing at yoga retreats and music festivals. Live-streamed kirtans from Sankat Mochan Temple or Ganga Aarti ceremonies reach devotees worldwide, fostering virtual communities of worship.

In Banaras, kirtan workshops at institutions like the Benares Music Academy attract international students, blending traditional chanting with contemporary practices. Social media platforms amplify these efforts, with videos of ghat-side kirtans gaining millions of views, spreading Banaras’s spiritual music globally.

The rise of commercial music and urban distractions poses challenges to traditional kirtan practices. Yet, community-driven initiatives, such as local kirtan mandalis and festivals like the Kabir Mahotsav, keep the tradition alive. UNESCO’s recognition of Varanasi as a “City of Music” in 2015 has also supported efforts to preserve kirtans through documentation and public performances.

Pt. Chhannulal Mishra: A Padma Bhushan recipient whose kirtans blend classical and devotional depth.



Anuradha Paudwal: Her soulful renditions of Hanuman Chalisa resonate with devotees.



Local Mandalis: Groups like the Ram Kirtan Samaj at Tulsi Manas Temple, known for nightly Rama-centric kirtans.

Kirtans in Banaras are a sacred thread weaving together spirituality, music, and community. From the vibrant call-and-response chants at Sankat Mochan Temple to impromptu sessions on the Ganges’ ghats, these devotional songs embody the city’s eternal soul. As Banaras continues to chant, its kirtans invite all to join in a timeless celebration of the divine.