Kirtan and Bhakti Yoga: How Jahnavi Harrison Is Bringing Sacred Music to the Mainstream

In this divinely captivating episode of the Vital Veda Podcast we sat down with Jahnavi Harrison, a rising star in the world of Kirtan & devotional music 🎵 .

Jahnavi, raised in the heart of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in the UK, shares her special journey going from a small-town Vedic community to worldwide kirtan phenomenon.

Her majestically composed music illuminates & enlivens the Divine within those who listens. 

Join us as Jahnavi discusses her evolution as a Kirtan artist and leader, offering a glimpse into
the fusion of Sanskrit mantras with English lyrics,
her recent EP collab with Willow Smith which initiated an explosion of bhakti (devotional) music with the wider world,
her upcoming musical releases, and a bunch of other delightful topics. 

We couldn’t be more excited to be releasing and sharing this episode with you all.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🎻 The Meaning of The “Hare Krishna” Maha Mantra
🎻 Being Raised in The UK & Growing Up As A Member Of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)
🎻 The Initial Challenge Of Venturing Into Western Culture & Society After Being Raised in ISKCON
🎻 Finding Her Voice As a Kirtan Leader & Artist
🎻 Going “Mainstream” & The Experience Of Recording The “R I S E” EP With Willow Smith
🎻 Hybridising Kirtan Music: Sanskrit & The English Language
🎻 Mantra Tradition & Respecting Guru Parampara (Lineages)
🎻 Jahnavi’s Upcoming Musical Releases
🎻 Q&A Rapid Fire Round

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jahnavi Harrison

Jahnavi Harrison was raised in a family of Bhakti-yoga practitioners at Bhaktivedanta Manor, one of England’s most important spiritual landmarks. As a child she was fascinated with song and story, and has nurtured that interest through her life long exploration of music, dance, visual art and the written word. She is a musician who aims to channel her creative expression as a path to self-realisation and service.

For over 12 years she has travelled the world, offering her voice and violin playing in the performance of sacred music and call-and-response mantra chant (kirtan). Her sound encompasses rich influences of East and West, and aims to offer an experience which truly nourishes the spirit. Based in both London and New York, she offers regular concerts, sound baths and workshops.

She released her debut album, ‘Like a River to the Sea’ in July 2015, and features on the Grammy nominated ‘Bhakti Without Borders’ charity album (2016). Jahnavi presents regularly for BBC Radio 2’s ‘Pause for Thought’ and ‘Something Understood’ on BBC Radio 4.