Sacred Sound & Mantra Evenings

New Year Road-Opener Mantra Evening

3 January 2026 (18:00-19:30)

Chant your way into the New Year, and ask Lord Ganesha to bring us wisdom, success & blessings this 2026.

Lord Ganesha is the face of the Divine who helps to open and clear the roads - inviting in abundance, love, joy, luck and blessings. Please bring an offering - see below.

Mantra Highlights:

ONG NAMO GURUDEV NAMO (opening mantra - for Wisdom)
OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA (108 times - to remove obstacles & open the roads)
I AM THE BUBBLE (Yogananda song to align us to the Cosmic Ocean)
GANESHI STUTI (asking Lord Ganesha for his blessings upon the year ahead)
MANTRA FOR SUCCESS (prosperity, victory & abundance)

Please bring an offering for Lord Ganesha - his favourite offerings include: peanuts, dried/fresh fruit, coconut, sweets and candies of any kind, bananas, rice, sugar, fresh flowers (especially yellow, red and orange), incense, honey & nuts.

Mantra sheets will be provided!

Entrance: R180 (cash in the exact amount, or EFT) | Please bring a yoga mat (we do have some spares if needed) | You are welcome to bring your own instruments to add to the joy (bells, bowls, rattles, etc).

Afrishanti School of Yoga - Ina Gerber Studio (Pastorie Business Park), Somerset West (corner of Lourens & Reitz Streets). Dial 43 at the gate & park inside.

Bhakti Kirtan Evenings

Open your heart through music, mantra, and shared sacred sound.

Welcome to our Bhakti Kirtan Evenings — a gentle, uplifting space where people of all backgrounds come together to explore the healing power of sound.

You don’t need to be a singer, you don’t need experience, and you don’t need to know anything about mantra or meditation. Simply come as you are.

Kirtan is a form of call-and-response chanting, traditionally rooted in yoga and devotional practices.

The repetition of simple, melodic mantras helps quiet the mind, open the heart, and create a deep sense of peace and connection.

Sessions are held in Somerset West (Western Cape), although we can also bring our kirtan to your local studio - contact Ryan for more info: ryan@afrishanti.com

Our Evenings Weave Together

Harmonium-led mantra chanting
Group singing and call-and-response repetition
Spiritual sound baths using bowls, drums, bells, and gentle percussion
Moments of stillness and reflection
Collective intention-setting and closing blessings

No musical skill is required — your voice is perfect exactly as it is. Whether you're seeking meditation, community, emotional release, or simply a beautiful evening of sound, these gatherings offer a warm, welcoming sanctuary for all.

Come chant, breathe, listen, and reconnect with the quiet light within.

For questions, or to book your spot at our next Kirtan Evening, please email Ryan Edmonds ryan@afrishanti.com (or WhatsApp 071 874 1890)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to sing?

Not at all. Kirtan is for every voice — confident, shy, trained, untrained. The beauty of this practice is that we sing together, and your voice blends naturally into the group. There is no performance, only participation.

What exactly is kirtan?

Kirtan is a simple, joyful form of chanting where the leader sings a line, and the group repeats it. The mantras are easy, repetitive, and soothing. You don’t need to “get it right” — it’s about feeling, not perfection.

Do I need to know the mantras?

No prior knowledge is needed. All mantras are taught gently and repeated many times. You’ll pick them up naturally, even if it’s your first time. Often, mantras sheets will be provided.

Is this religious?

Kirtan is a spiritual practice, not a religious ceremony. You are welcome regardless of your background, beliefs, or tradition. The focus is on shared sound, connection, and inner calm.

What should I bring?

A yoga mat (we have spares if you don’t have one)
A cushion or blanket if you’d like extra comfort
Water
An open heart and curiosity

May I bring an instrument?

Absolutely! We love when people add to the soundscape. Feel free to bring:

Shakers
Bells
Small drums
Singing bowls
Chimes
Pan pans / tongue drums
Any gentle, acoustic instrument you feel called to play

We will also have a variety of instruments available for you to borrow.

Do I have to chant the whole time?

No. You are welcome to:

Sing
Hum
Listen quietly
Lie down and receive the sound
Meditate
Join in and step back as it feels right

There is no expectation — your experience is your own.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. Our evenings are designed to be accessible, comforting, and welcoming for first-timers. No experience with yoga, chanting, meditation, or music is needed.

What is the atmosphere like?

Think warm, candlelit, community-oriented, and relaxed. People often describe it as calming, heart-opening, and deeply nourishing.

How long does a session last?

Typically 60–90 minutes, depending on the flow of the group and the energy in the room.

Can children come?

If they can sit comfortably in a calm, meditative environment and enjoy sound, they’re welcome. Otherwise, these evenings are generally best suited to teens and adults.