Kirtan, the sacred practice of chanting and singing the names of The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, is a profound tool for meditation and self-expression. For Premanjali Dasi, kirtan is not only a complete devotional activity but also a transformative experience she aims to make accessible to all. Through her innovative Learn Kirtan initiative, she has opened the doors for individuals—particularly those new to bhakti—to embrace the art of kirtan as a means of meditation, connection, and personal growth.

Born into a family that cherished spirituality, Premanjali’s early life was steeped in the melodies of devotion. Her parents introduced her to the harmonium at a young age through Gurukula, encouraging her to participate in devotional activities. “I was never shy,” she admitted during the interview. “The music had a way of drawing me in. It made me feel connected to something greater than myself, but I had to find my way through technique.”

This connection deepened when she explored Krishna Consciousness further in her teenage years. Immersing herself in temple life, she found kirtan to be the centerpiece of her spiritual awakening. “Kirtan taught me that devotion is not just about the mind; it’s about the heart,” she said. Inspired by the transformative power of chanting, Premanjali began to dream of making this practice accessible to a broader audience.

However, she noticed a recurring challenge: many people, especially those somewhat familiar with bhakti, were hesitant to engage with kirtan. “There’s this idea that you need to have a ‘perfect’ voice or deep knowledge to chant,” she explained. “But kirtan isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection and self-expression.”

Premanjali leading kirtan in the streets of New York.

After years of studying vocal techniques, experimenting with melodies, and deepening her understanding of kirtan’s spiritual essence, Premanjali launched Learn Kirtan in 2021. Designed as a preaching initiative, the program focuses on helping individuals, many of whom have never heard of mantras before, to find confidence in their voices and use kirtan as a tool for meditation and stress relief.

At its heart, Learn Kirtan is about simplifying kirtan for beginners and breaking down barriers to participation. The platform offers lessons on:

· Mantras and melodies: Students learn the meaning and significance of mantras and explore accessible melodies to incorporate into their lives.

· Using the voice confidently: Premanjali helps participants find their natural voice, teaching them to use it as a means of meditation and self-expression.

· Harmonium basics: Rather than focusing on technical fingering, students are encouraged to “just play” and pick up melodies intuitively, building confidence to eventually play for others.

“Our sessions aren’t rigid,” Premanjali shared. “It’s about creating a space where people can connect with themselves and the mantras. By the end of each class, many participants feel ready to share what they’ve learned—whether in their yoga class, with friends, or simply as a personal practice.”

Signature Learn Kirtan harmoniums in various funky colors.

The initiative has become a bridge for sharing Krishna consciousness in an accessible way. Premanjali recounted stories of students who began their journey with no prior exposure to kirtan and now use chanting to center themselves in challenging times. “One student told me she chants mantras during moments of stress at work—it’s her way of staying grounded,” she shared.

Building Learn Kirtan had its challenges. Premanjali faced technical difficulties early on but, through trial and error, developed the program into a comprehensive and user-friendly platform. “It was a learning curve for sure,” she said with a laugh. “But I’m grateful for the process—it made me more empathetic to the beginner’s experience.”

Looking ahead, Premanjali envisions expanding Learn Kirtan to reach even more people. She plans to launch pre-recorded courses for those with limited internet connectivity. She is also exploring multilingual content to make kirtan accessible worldwide. Beyond teaching, she is also working on a personal milestone: the release of a kirtan album in 2025. “This album is a deeply personal project,” she revealed, “a culmination of my journey with kirtan and the inspiration I’ve drawn from teaching others.”

Premanjali playing the harmonium.

Premanjali’s journey is a testament to the power of combining skill with devotion. Through Learn Kirtan, she has empowered countless individuals to embrace their voices and find joy in chanting. Her vision continues to inspire a new generation of kirtan practitioners, ensuring that the melodies of devotion will resonate far and wide for years to come.

As Premanjali beautifully put it, “Kirtan is for everyone. All you need is sincerity and the willingness to try. The rest will come naturally.”

To learn more about Learn Kirtan or connect with Premanjali, visit her Linktree page and follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Premanjali regularly shares updates about upcoming courses, workshops, and new offerings.