Entertainment | 2026 Grammy Triumph: Jahnavi Harrison's Journey into Kirtan and Global Music

Jahnavi Harrison Secures Grammy Nod for Kirtan Album *Into the Forest*

U.K.-based devotional singer and multi-instrumentalist Jahnavi Harrison secured a prestigious Grammy Award nomination in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category in early 2026 for her deeply resonant work, Into the Forest. This recognition elevates the ancient practice of Kirtan—a form of Indian devotional music—onto the global stage, affirming Harrison’s role as a leading contemporary exponent of the Bhakti tradition.

The Global Trajectory of Indian Devotional Music

Harrison’s nomination is the culmination of decades of cross-cultural exchange, following pioneers who introduced Eastern spirituality and soundscapes to Western audiences. While the nomination is a personal achievement, it also signifies the growing mainstream acceptance of chant and mantra traditions beyond niche markets, particularly within the contemplative music scene.

What is Kirtan? Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Kirtan is a central practice within Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion in Hinduism. It is characterized by a call-and-response format (antiphonal chanting) where ancient Sanskrit mantras are sung, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the harmonium, tabla, and kartals. Unlike highly produced secular music, the objective of Kirtan is contemplative and spiritual, fostering deep connection and meditative states.

• Historical Context: Kirtan was popularized globally in the latter half of the 20th century, largely through the teachings and initiatives associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
• Contemporary Sound: Modern artists like Harrison maintain the spiritual fidelity of the practice while incorporating sophisticated production techniques and Western instrumentation, making the music accessible to a diverse, non-specialist audience.
• The Grammy Category: The “Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album” category recognizes works primarily instrumental, focusing on relaxing or inspirational themes, making Harrison’s interpretation of devotional chant a natural fit.

Jahnavi Harrison's Musical Lineage and Approach

Born into a family immersed in the Bhakti tradition, Jahnavi Harrison's connection to devotional music is lifelong. She is a highly trained vocalist and musician known for her exceptional skill on the harmonium and violin, instruments that allow her to transition seamlessly between traditional Indian classical structures and contemporary Western arrangements.

The Significance of *Into the Forest*

Released to critical acclaim, *Into the Forest* is characterized by its ethereal soundscape and deep focus on contemplative mantra chanting. The album demonstrates Harrison’s ability to create immersive ambient environments that retain the spiritual rigor of the Kirtan practice. The work stands out for its clarity of intent, prioritizing devotional sincerity over mere sonic polish, a quality that resonated with Grammy voters seeking depth within the genre.

Anticipating the 2026 Grammy Awards (People Also Ask)

How does a devotional album qualify for a New Age Grammy?

The Grammy definition for the New Age/Ambient/Chant category is broad, encompassing non-rock, non-classical works that offer tranquility, spiritual upliftment, or meditative qualities. *Into the Forest*, through its use of sustained tones, minimal percussion, and repetitive mantra structures, fulfills the criteria for chant and ambient music designed for reflection, positioning it squarely within the category.

Has Indian devotional music won a Grammy before?

While the broader categories of World Music have recognized Indian artists extensively (like Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain), specific devotional or chant albums have seen nominations and wins, reflecting the niche's growing influence. Harrison's nomination follows the precedents set by other artists who have successfully blended global spiritual traditions with high-quality production to achieve Grammy recognition.

What instruments does Jahnavi Harrison play?

Jahnavi Harrison is primarily known for her mastery of the harmonium (a key instrument in Kirtan), the violin, and the mridanga (a type of Indian double-headed drum), in addition to her role as lead vocalist.