The Historical Echoes of Kirtans in Banaras: A Legacy of Devotional Chants

The tradition of kirtans in Banaras traces back to the Bhakti movement of the 15th–17th centuries, when mystic poets like Tulsidas and Kabir transformed devotional expression through music. Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, composed in Varanasi, became a cornerstone for kirtans, with its verses sung in call-and-response style to honor Lord Rama. The city’s role as a spiritual hub amplified kirtans, as pilgrims and sadhus gathered at temples and ghats, chanting to connect with the divine.

Kirtans in Banaras drew from earlier Vedic chanting traditions, adapting their rhythmic cadences into accessible melodies for the masses. By the 16th century, venues like the Sankat Mochan Temple, established to honor Hanuman, became focal points for kirtan gatherings, where devotees sang Hanuman Chalisa and other hymns. These early kirtans, accompanied by simple instruments like ektara and manjira, laid the foundation for a communal practice that endures today.

Kirtans are defined by their call-and-response structure, where a lead singer chants a line—often a deity’s name or a devotional verse—and the community responds in unison. This participatory format, rooted in Banaras’s inclusive ethos, allows everyone, from scholars to laypeople, to join in worship. At Sankat Mochan Temple, kirtans like Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo or Ram Siya Ram create a rhythmic dialogue, with harmonium and tabla enhancing the spiritual fervor.

This call-and-response dynamic fosters collective spirituality, as voices blend to create a shared experience of devotion. The repetitive chants, often in Awadhi or Bhojpuri dialects, evoke emotional and spiritual immersion, aligning with Banaras’s identity as a city of liberation (moksha).

The Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is a cornerstone of Banaras’s kirtan tradition. Weekly gatherings on Tuesdays and Saturdays see devotees chanting Hanuman Chalisa and other kirtans, their voices resonating with the temple’s bells and percussion. The annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, held during Hanuman Jayanti, elevates kirtans to a grand stage, where renowned vocalists lead thousands in call-and-response sessions, blending devotional chants with classical nuances.

These kirtans, often dedicated to Rama and Hanuman, carry themes of surrender and protection, reflecting Hanuman’s role as the remover of obstacles. The temple’s open courtyard encourages participation, making kirtans a communal act of faith that strengthens spiritual bonds.

Kirtans in Banaras transcend religious practice, serving as a cultural bridge that unites diverse communities. At venues like Tulsi Manas Temple and Assi Ghat, kirtan mandalis (devotional groups) gather regularly, welcoming locals and visitors to chant together. This inclusivity reflects Banaras’s syncretic spirit, where Hindu and Sufi influences coexist, as seen in kirtans inspired by Kabir’s nirgun philosophy.

Kirtans also mark life events, from weddings to funerals, with chants like Ram Taranis accompanying rituals. During festivals like Ram Navami, kirtan processions fill the streets, with dholaks and cymbals amplifying the communal joy, reinforcing Banaras’s role as a living cultural hub.

While rooted in tradition, kirtans in Banaras have adapted to modern contexts. Artists like Pt. Chhannulal Mishra incorporate classical thumri elements into kirtans, enriching their melodic depth. Platforms inspired by Mamta Music Banaras offer remixed kirtans, such as electronic versions of Hanuman Chalisa, blending tradition with contemporary appeal to engage younger audiences.

Challenges like urbanization and commercial music threaten traditional kirtan practices, but efforts by institutions like the Kashi Sangeet Samaj and Banaras Hindu University ensure their preservation. Workshops and festivals, supported by UNESCO’s “City of Music” designation in 2015, train new generations in the art of kirtan, keeping the tradition vibrant.

Pt. Chhannulal Mishra: A Banaras maestro whose kirtans blend devotional and classical artistry.



Local Mandalis: Groups like the Kashi Kirtan Samaj, known for daily chants at Sankat Mochan.



Anup Jalota: His global performances of Banaras-inspired kirtans spread the tradition worldwide.

Kirtans in Banaras are a timeless echo of the city’s spiritual and cultural legacy, their call-and-response chants uniting communities in devotion. From the sacred precincts of Sankat Mochan Temple to the ghats along the Ganges, these songs carry the soul of Kashi. As Banaras continues to chant, its kirtans remain a living testament to the power of music to inspire and connect.