Kirtan on the Beach

For 8 years I have watched my friends from Halifax Maryz and Pierre have adventures in India and Thailand and I was excited to be able to catch up with them in Koh Phangan. Every Friday and Sunday at sunset they lead kirtan on a small beach at Pirate Bar, near Shritanu. 

Kirtan is Hindu devotional chanting in Sanskrit, it follows a call and response style, where the leader sings each line and then the crowd repeats it in response. It has the effect of building energy steadily and many of the chants speed up in the middle before slowing and drawing to a close. Maryz and Pierre accompany the chanting with guitar and harp.

I went both nights and loved every moment, definitely a highlight of my time on the island. I will get to see my friends again later in April in Dharamasala, up in the hills of Northern India.



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