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Friday, 7 August 2026
Sacred Kirtan Gathering with Special Guest Bhakti Caitanya Swami
A very special evening of Kirtan and Stories with the travelling monk £15 / Place
Community, Unity, Love
About our Kirtan Gathering.
Welcome, lovely community. We’d love to invite you to our Kirtan Community Gathering, an easy-going, heart-warming evening where we come together to sing, settle, and simply enjoy being in each other’s company. You don’t need any experience, any musical ability, or any understanding of kirtan. If you’re curious, open, or just looking for something soothing for the soul, you’re already in the right place.
Kirtan is a gentle form of devotional chanting. One person sings a mantra, and everyone else joins in, repeating it back. It’s simple, grounding, and surprisingly uplifting. The repetition, the rhythm, and the shared voices help people settle into themselves, switch off the noise of the day, and feel more connected, both inwardly and with the group around them.
There’s no pressure here. No performance. No expectations. Just a relaxed space where you can sit, sing, listen, or just feel the atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, and every voice adds something special to the energy of the evening.
After the chanting, we’ll share a lovely vegan meal together ,a lovely way to unwind, chat, and meet new people in a warm, easy environment. It’s simple, nourishing, and always full of good vibes.
“Chant and be happy.” — Hare Krishna
Welcome to our special guest - a spiritual guide, teacher and author in the Bhakti Tradition for over 50 years.
Originally from New Zealand, Bhakti Caitanya Swami joined the Hare Krishna movement in London, early in 1973. Previously, he was a philosophy student at Auckland University, where he had first seen his future spiritual master walking across the campus with his followers.
He was formerly initiated into the Bhakti Tradition by his teacher in 1973 and took the vow of Sanyasa, as a life-long monk in 1984.
His permanent base is in Durban, South Africa but he spends time each year traveling globally to share the timeless Vedic Wisdom in an authoritative and accessible way.
His special interests include filming, photography, and parikrama (visiting holy places of deep spiritual import).
Feel the vibrations
What is Kirtan?
Kirtan is a form of devotional chanting that originates from the Bhakti yoga tradition in India. It involves singing ancient Sanskrit mantras in a call-and-response style, often accompanied by musical instruments like harmoniums, tablas, and cymbals. Historically, kirtan was used as a way to connect with the divine and foster a sense of community among practitioners. Today, kirtan has spread across the globe, bringing people together to share in its uplifting and meditative qualities. Its timeless melodies and profound vibrations offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, providing a unique way to connect with oneself and others on a deeper, more spiritual level.
Nourishment for Mind, Body, Soul
What are the amazing benefits of Kirtan Mantra?
Attending kirtan and chanting mantra is genuinely one of the most soul-nourishing experiences you can gift yourself. The vibration of the mantras settles the mind, relaxes the nervous system, and creates a deep sense of inner peace that you can actually feel in your body. As the music builds and voices blend, something softens inside you—stress melts, the heart opens, and you reconnect with a part of yourself that everyday life often dulls. Spiritually, kirtan is like bathing in warm, uplifting energy; emotionally, it feels like coming home; and physically, the rhythmic repetition supports reduced anxiety, balanced breath, and a calmer, more grounded state of being. It’s community, healing, connection, and meditation all woven into one beautiful, transformative practice.
Knowledge
The History...
Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion, has its roots in ancient India, and kirtan has always been one of its most heartfelt expressions. Central to this tradition is the devotion to Krishna, celebrated as the embodiment of divine love, playfulness, and compassion. Thousands of years ago, devotees began chanting Krishna’s names and stories as a way to connect with the divine through pure feeling rather than ritual or intellect. This blossomed during the Bhakti movement (6th–15th century), when saints such as Mirabai and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spread Krishna kirtan far and wide, teaching that simply singing His name could open the heart, dissolve ego, and awaken deep spiritual joy. Kirtan became a practice for everyone—no hierarchy, no gatekeepers—just voices uniting in devotion. Today, Krishna kirtan is sung all over the world, carrying the same ancient intention: to remember love, to return to the heart, and to feel the presence of the divine through sacred sound.
Hare Krishna
Meet our wonderful hosts
Caitanya and Jay live in Sunderland with their 2 lovely children and have been married for 10 years. Caitanya has been practicing and sharing Bhakti Yoga for 24 years and lived as a monk in an ashram/Temple in Scotland for 13 of those years. Jay has been brought up in the tradition and has been practicing since she was a young girl.
They met and came together whilst on a kirtan tour of Scotland. They both share a passion for Kirtan and love to share the wisdom and philosophy of Bhakti Yoga through talks and especially through Kirtan itself.
2 Hour Itinerary
Schedule
- Welcome to the space, Introductions, cacao served
- Meditation
- Kirtan with Caitanya, Jay and Vasu
- Vegan food is served
- Sharing circle
- Departures
Very important
Important: Please Read
Contraindications
Although cacao is safe for most of us some people should take extra precautions for themselves before eating or drinking cacao.
Cacao is contraindicated with antidepressants including some SSRIs and all MORI antidepressants. If you are on high doses, I would not advise drinking a cacao. If you are on smaller doses smaller amounts of cacao are usually ok, but as always consult your doctor. In the weeks leading to the ceremony, you may want to test doses. Start with 5-10g in 250ml of water and see how that is for you. Please note cacao raises serotonin levels significantly.
For people with increased anxiety, a history of seizures, diabetes and heart conditions please consult your doctor before ingesting cacao.
More information on request. If you have asthma, please have your inhaler beside you.
Please note that by purchasing a ticket you agree that The Jasper Cacao Project Ltd and Shane Cooke are not liable for any injury or harm that you may incur at this practice/class & you fully understand the contraindications of ingesting Cacao and breathwork practice. You agree to take full responsibility of yourself, your health, your well-being and all of your belongings whilst at the ceremony.
Event Reviews
Add a Review
This was exactly what I needed, it exceeded my expectations and more. From start to finish I felt welcomed, relaxed and in a space that was uplifting and inspiring. I felt so much negative energy leave my body from a stressful day job, I left feeling so much lighter and positive. The music, singing and mantras brought me to tears, it was an experience I am grateful to have found. I am looking forward to more events, it is truly healing for the soul ????
Product Reviewed:
Sacred Kirtan Community Gathering (Mantra, Music, Meditation)
Reviewed by Kelly on Tuesday 19th May 2026
What an amazing evening of kirtan mantra & meditation in this beautiful space and not forgetting beautiful heart warming cacao. So much joy & happiness in the room. Can’t wait for next time xxx
Product Reviewed:
Sacred Kirtan Community Gathering (Mantra, Music, Meditation)
Reviewed by Debbie Oneil on Sunday 01st March 2026
The monthly kirtan at Jasper Cacao project is a truly transformational event. It is uplifting, joyous and nourishing of body, mind and spirit. Love it, love it, love it!
Product Reviewed:
Sacred Kirtan Community Gathering (Mantra, Music, Meditation)
Reviewed by Gill Horner on Sunday 01st March 2026
Another beautiful Kirtan with Caitanya and Jay. I arrived in a reflective place, and the mantras met me exactly where I was. Om Namo Narayanaya especially moved something deep in me — a release I didn’t expect, with moments where my whole energy lifted. I brought my mam, who is 75 and deaf with a cochlear implant, and I wasn’t sure how much she’d be able to hear. Caitanya and Jay made sure she was comfortable and welcomed, and she felt the vibration and connection of the chanting in her own way. That was incredibly special to witness. I also met some lovely new people, which added to the warmth of the evening. There’s something about the space Caitanya and Jay create — open, heartfelt, and naturally inviting — that brings people together and allows everyone to feel held. Thank you both for another meaningful, healing experience.
Product Reviewed:
Sacred Kirtan Community Gathering (Mantra, Music, Meditation)
Reviewed by Stephen Curry on Saturday 28th February 2026
I was apprehensive coming along but how daft was I! 3 hours of pure joy. Such a genuine, friendly and welcoming group. Can’t wait for the next one ????
Product Reviewed:
Kirtan Community Gathering; Sacred Mantra & Music
Reviewed by Jo on Monday 12th May 2025
The weight of the world simply disappears when you experience Caitanya and Jays Kirtan, it's so very special and has the ability to uplift and connect everyone in the room. If you like Cacao or simply want to give it a try, theres plenty for everyone, but for those who don't partake, there's a selection of herbal teas. The prasadam Vegan feast at the end is simply scrummy and there's an opportunity to aquire a spiritual book or two as well. Everyone both new and old are made to feel so very welcome, it's just a lovely way to spend an evening. ????????
Product Reviewed:
Kirtan Community Gathering; Sacred Mantra & Music
Reviewed by Sammy on Wednesday 23rd April 2025
I can't wait to attend more Kirtan events in 2025. Thank you to Shane, Leanne, Caitanya, Jay and everyone else involved. I've never felt so welcome and accepted. I've connected with so many amazing, like-minded, beautiful souls and hope to stay in touch with as many as possible. The vegan food and ceremonial cacao is is made with care and love. Each time I come away from Kirtan, I feel lighter, spiritually stronger and renewed.
Product Reviewed:
Kirtan Community Gathering; Sacred Mantra & Music
Reviewed by Chris on Monday 25th November 2024
What a beautiful evening! I didn't know what to expect, never been to a Kirtan before. Really enjoyed myself. Felt welcomed from the second I walked in to the second we left. I loved it! Felt so free and my younger self came out. I'll be there for the next one! ❤️✨
Product Reviewed:
Kirtan Community Gathering; Sacred Mantra & Music
Reviewed by Fiona on Tuesday 05th November 2024
Fabulous event, well organised and put together. Everyone made to feel welcome. Beautiful chanting, music and dancing. Fabulous food and wonderful people. Such a loving joyous atmosphere, I can't wait for the next one. Thank you so much xxx
Product Reviewed:
Kirtan Community Gathering; Sacred Mantra & Music
Reviewed by Joanne Foster-Croll on Tuesday 05th November 2024