Grammy-nominated devotional singer, teacher, and author Snatam Kaur has inspired millions with her luminous voice and profound teachings. Her latest album, Heartflow, invites listeners to connect deeply with the energy of the heart through mantra and meditation. As she embarks on her Heartflow tour across Europe, North America, and Latin America, Snatam continues to create transformative spaces for healing through music.

In this interview, she reflects on the power of kirtan, her connection to the Sivananda Ashram, and how her Sikh faith shapes her message of unity and peace.

Q: How does it feel to return to the ashram for the Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year Symposium? What makes this event special for you?

A: I love coming back to the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas. We have been coming every year, pretty much since before my daughter was born, and she’s now 15. It has been a wonderful space for us to share from our tradition and also to connect with people of other traditions. My family and I have learned so much and have been deeply inspired by the other presenters. It’s become an important part of our lives to hear from and learn about other spiritual traditions. For our daughter, growing up with that experience has been invaluable.

This time of year is also particularly powerful for us, offering a chance to reset for the year and reconnect with deep spiritual energy and practices. The ashram is a welcoming place, even for those of us coming from other faith traditions, which makes it very special for us.

Q: Kirtan is such a profound practice. How do you see its power transforming people, especially during this holiday season?

A: Kirtan is a deeply healing practice in my life. During the holiday season, surrounded by amazing teachers and wonderful people at the ashram, it feels natural to go deeper into this practice. I always gain great inspiration from sharing kirtan during this time. It fosters a profound connection with the energy of Christ and Mother Mary, which is very moving for me. Kirtan during the holidays is a cleansing process, allowing me to release and reset. I look forward to this experience all year.

Q: Your music has touched so many lives globally. How do you feel that kirtan contributes to both personal healing and a collective sense of peace?

A: One of the most powerful aspects of kirtan is its ability to heal on a personal level. It changes brain waves, allowing for healing in the heart and the release of emotional energy. I truly believe everyone should have a daily kirtan practice for their inner health and well-being.

On a global level, kirtan connects us to the web of life. Our thoughts are psychic vibrations that affect our communities and even people thousands of miles away. When one person enters a state of inner peace and well-being, it positively impacts us all. In this way, kirtan is both a personal and a global practice.

Q: In your workshops, participants will explore chanting for emotional and spiritual release. Can you share a bit about the process of healing through kirtan?

A: The form of kirtan I practice comes from the Sikh tradition. When we chant kirtan, we tune into the energy of the person who originally recited the poem or mantra. That person attained a state of enlightenment, and the sacred words passed through them in that experience. By chanting these words, we are given a road map to that same experience of enlightenment.

The healing from kirtan arises from subtle spiritual vibrations, as well as the practical physical benefits of breathwork during chanting. Even if we don’t fully grasp the meaning of the words intellectually, their essence communicates on a cellular level.

Q: You’ve performed in diverse settings, from yoga studios to concert halls. How does the energy of performing in an ashram environment differ?

A: I’ve performed in many environments, including concert halls, but the ashram provides a unique opportunity to share kirtan with people deeply connected to a spiritual path and practice. It feels like a place to learn and grow in the art of kirtan. The feedback and reflections from practitioners help me identify areas for growth and where my heart is opening more. These lessons shape my performances, recordings, and creative process.

Q: Kirtan involves communal chanting. How do you think the collective energy of chanting together enhances the experience?

A: The collective power of group chanting is incredibly impactful. When one person goes deep into the experience, it helps others do the same. This shared inspiration and connection make group chanting so powerful.

Q: As kirtan has roots in Sikh tradition, how do you see your Sikh faith influencing your music and its message in the modern world?

A: The Sikh tradition of kirtan emphasizes the oneness of all beings. This message of unity and peace has been central to my music career. Sharing this concept through kirtan has been a guiding light in bringing healing and connection to diverse audiences worldwide.

Q: What do you hope participants will take away from the satsangs and workshops at the symposium?

A: For the upcoming workshops and satsangs at the ashram, I will be joined by my mother, Prabhu Nam Kaur, a wonderful kirtan teacher, and my husband, Sopurkh Singh, a gifted yoga and meditation teacher. Through our sessions, I hope participants can experience the richness of Sikh kirtan, connect with the sacred words, and explore chanting, meditation, and breathwork. We will also incorporate yoga into the practice to deepen the experience.

For those attending the entire symposium, I hope the diverse traditions and presenters nourish and inspire them for the blessings of the coming year.