Hindus urge Grammy bosses to include ‘Kirtan’ category

Washington, April 29: American-Hindu scholars have urged Grammy bosses to add a new category for traditional Indian music at the annual prize giving – the ‘Kirtan’ category.The Universal Society of Hinduism officials have emphasized that with the growing popularity of ‘kirtan’ across America and the UK, its time that it was declared a category in Grammy, reports Contactmusic.

Hindu statesman and USH leader Rajan Zed says: "In 2009, there were Grammys awarded in 110 music categories, covering 32 fields, including pop, rock, rap, country, new age, gospel, jazz, folk, world music, Hawaiian, Latin, reggae and blues, and we now think Indian music should be included.” "Kirtan is attracting large audiences in USA and Canada, and many other countries of the world, resulting in various new albums and creation of star kirtan artists.... There should be Favorite Kirtan Artist of the Year award at the Grammys,” Zed added. "The powerful healing and transformational energies of these ancient chants in help to calm and focus the mind... It`s a sacred and spiritual experience that takes one to the state of deep meditation,” he concluded. ANI