World fusion and Indian Kirtan

Join Vini, Ed and Helen for a special evening of world fusion and Indian classical music! Experience the sacred power of Indian Kirtan alongside a world fusion for an uplifting and connecting experience. 

Visiting from the sacred city of Pushkar, My harmonium teacher and friend Vini Dewara is a master vocalist whose music carries the richness of generations! Trained in the ancient Indian classical tradition by his father and grandfather, Vini blends the timeless beauty of Rajasthani folk song with the meditative devotion of Kirtan. 

A regular performer at major festivals including the Holi celebrations in Pushkar Stadium, his voice evokes the spirit of India—joyful, soulful, and deeply moving. Whether singing classical ragas or leading spiritual chants, Vini brings a rare depth of feeling and cultural authenticity. 

Ed White is a classically trained violinist whose journey has taken him from touring orchestras in Europe to India and Spain to study world traditions. Now based in Edinburgh, Ed brings a rich tapestry of global influences to his performances, blending Scottish folk, Indian ragas, Arabic melodies, and jazz improvisation into something both timeless and fresh. He curates and hosts world fusion concerts at the historic St Cecilia’s Hall in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, creating unforgettable evenings of cross-cultural musical dialogue. Ed has also performed alongside Vini Dewara at the Holi Festival in Rajasthan, sharing in the joy and spiritual depth of Indian musical tradition.

During this one time special event, we will bring them both together again, with a little accompaniment from yours truly, who will also join in a little with her harmonium and voice.

This event can be enjoyed simply to receive the sounds as you sit together, or you are welcome to join in for the Kirtan part, whatever you feel comfortable with. 

WHAT IS KIRTAN?:
Chanting kirtan is a devotional practice involving the call and response of mantras and sacred songs that help to uplift the mind, open the heart, and encourage inner peace. A simple, direct and joyful way to help create inner calm, connection and loving feelings, kirtan acts as a powerful tool to transform the way we think and feel about ourselves and how we perceive the world. 

Some benefits of Kirtan:

• Singing together synchronises the heartbeats of those with you, creating deep connection, unity and harmony
• Can assist you in connecting to the divine within you
• Can put you into a meditative state for more receptivity and calm
• Purifies your feelings and emotions from negative into more positive states
• Helps to bring about an opening, a shift or a release from any stuck energy or thought pattern
• Creates a feeling of ‘bringing yourself back home’
• Helping you to move into your truest, natural state of bliss