Below are some of the instruments used in kirtan.

SAROD
The sarod is an Indian classical musical instrument which probably originates from the Senya rebab, an Indio-Persian instrument played in India to the 19th century. It is a 25-stringed lute-like instrument, whose body is hand carved from a single block of tun (Indian Mahogany) or teak wood, with a steel fretless finger board.

 

HARMONIUM
The harmonium is a reed instrument, and it's most often the one you see being played by the lead singers at kirtan. This wind instrument is often used in folk music, as it's tone is not as pure as the classical Indian instruments.

 

TANPURA
Known as the "mother of all instruments", the tanpura is used to accompany most Indian classical music; it provides the "drone" that you often hear in the background. There are different sizes, the number of strings is commonly 4 or 5, and they can be tuned to various notes, depending upon the songs. When played properly the notes of the tanpura should join and sound as though they are one.

 

TABLA
The tabla is a popular Indian perussion instrument used in the classical, popular and religious music of the Indian subcontinent and in Hindustani classical music. The instrument consists of a pair of hand drums of contrasting sizes and timbres. The term tabla is derived from an word which means "drum".