Singapore is a fantastic place of discovery. Kundalini yoga was one of my many explorations. One of the teachers I studied with was Lisa Sat Deva Jennings. She led her wonderful classes at her beautiful home. Then last month, there was an opportunity to participate in a traditional kirtan. I didn’t have a lot of information – it was more of a gut response of a yes – and she arranged everything. So early, early Sunday morning we met at Tiong Bahru food court. It was so early that it was still closed, though people were already there preparing for the day to come. We then headed out to a home in East Coast, where the kirtan was hosted.

It was a traditional kirtan, part of the Sikh worship, and there were a few observances. We welcomed in with smile and nods and sat in the back to listen and to respond to the call in song. It was beautiful and moving. The singing was accompanied by a harmoninum, a hand-operated pump organ, tabla (drums), and stringed instruments.

I’ve been to many kirtans. A traditional kirtan is different, all being devotional to the divine.