Kirtan

Kirtan is a sophisticated style of vocal music deriving from Dhrupad. Kirtan is a harmonious combination of the mode and the lyrical message. Couplets of the lyrics are sung in a chaste raga in slow dhrupadic measure by the leader of a group of singers and their significance is elaborated in recitation or song. The refrain is taken up by the group in quicker and quicker tempo until the chorus finishes in a crescendo and then the next couplet is taken up by the leader. The process goes on until a particular episode is completed. Tampura and khol, are used for accompaniment. In recent times the box, harmonium and the violin are also used. Four sub styles of Kirtan have developed in course of time. These are Manoharshahi, Garanhati, Mandarini and Reneti schools, each with its distinctive manner of presentation and incorporating some features of the different classical styles.