New York City: Saturday Hanuman Chalisas | NYC Retreat Weekend 2026

A Saturday-morning gathering of Hanuman Chalisa chanting in New York City, set in the church at West End Avenue and 86th Street on the Upper West Side. It opens with a rhythmic sound journey led by Arjun, followed by recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa with Nina Rao. It suits people who already love kirtan and devotional chanting, and anyone curious to hear the forty verses to Hanuman sung in a room full of voices. The morning is part of the NYC retreat weekend organized by Krishna Das Events at the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew.

What to Expect

The session runs two hours, from 11 am to 1 pm. The morning begins with a rhythmic sound journey with Arjun, then moves into the Hanuman Chalisa chanted with Nina Rao. The Chalisa is a devotional hymn in praise of Hanuman, and it is often chanted repeatedly as a practice in the bhakti and kirtan tradition.

The event is offered by donation, and every contribution supports Saving Wild Tigers, an effort to preserve wild habitat in India. Attendance itself carries no set charge, and you can give any amount.

It is one of four events across the weekend. The others are two evening kirtans with Krishna Das, one on Friday and one on Saturday, and a Saturday afternoon workshop with Krishna Das that includes chanting and a Q&A. Each is ticketed separately, and a bundle is available for those who want to attend them all.

About Krishna Das

Krishna Das, born Jeffrey Kagel in 1947, is among the best known voices in devotional music and kirtan. His path began in New York City in the 1970s, where he was drawn to the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba. After a trip to India, where he immersed himself in the practice of bhakti yoga, he returned to the United States and began sharing that experience through music. His kirtans blend traditional Indian melodies with Western musical influences, which has made chanting approachable for many people who had not met it before. He leads the weekend's evening kirtans and the afternoon workshop, and the organizing team behind the weekend carries his name.

The Setting

The Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew sits at 86th Street and West End Avenue in Manhattan. Seating is general admission, in wooden pews on the main level and in the balconies. A limited amount of floor seating is available near the stage, so bring your own pillow or blanket if you prefer to sit low.

Before You Go

No chanting experience is needed. Arrive early: will call opens at 10 am and doors open at 10:30 am. Check your name on the will call list and join the line early if you would like the best seats. Once checked in, you receive a wristband for entry. Have your email confirmation ready on your phone or printed, since paper tickets are not mailed. If it does not show up within a few minutes, look in your spam or promotions folder.

Registration is required even though the event is by donation, and advance sign-up closes at 11:59 pm the night before. Donations are not refundable.