Keertan is a religious folk dance of West Bengal. It is the most prevalent in the state of West Bengal. The word Keertan has evolved from the Sanskrit word “Kirt”, whose contextual meaning is to mention, praise, glorify, or adore. The musical component of this dance includes the Mantras and Hymns from the Hindu Vedic texts. It is accompanied by unique musical instruments.
The kirtan is generally performed to manifest the devotion towards Lord Vishnu (Hindu God also known as Lord Krishna). The devotional performers illustrate the spiritual tales of Lord Krishna’s playful activities. This folk dance gained technicality and proper form around the 15th century because of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a prominent religious revivalist.
Spirituality
The performers of this dance are known as “Keertankar” and sometimes “Keertaneer” in many regions of West Bengal. This dance has a distinctive non-racist tradition. As it is performed by the whole village at the same time, reciting the hymns and mantras in a beautiful synchronization. There is no discrimination for the performer on any basis, such as cast, creed, color, age, experience, etc. Therefore, be it rich or poor, servant or tenant, everyone is welcomed to participate in this sublime religious experience.
Keertan Performance
The Keertan folk dance exhibits the sense of unification, eliminating the feeling of injustice by cleansing the minds of performers while praising Mantras. It is a highly devotional dance that is performed in a very simplistic manner. All the performers form a coalition as a circle, revolving around in a suitable direction. The hands are up in the air, lowering them with the beats of musical instruments, such as Drums, Khol, Mridangam, etc. The dance has a variation called “Nagar Keertan”. In this form, a large parade of Keertaneers passes through the whole village while dancing and playing instruments.
This dance is performed with full vigor to attain religious ecstasy. It has a unique yet extraordinary meaning to the devotees. They unknowingly disappear in the shadow of spiritual sentiments running within the entire body.