Kirtana
A song of praise, often devotional, with overlapping usage with kriti.
Kirtana commonly describes a song of praise or devotion. It can serve communal singing, personal worship or concert performance.
Following a kirtana
A recurring opening line may act as a refrain, with later verses developing the words. The musical and poetic structure varies: the term alone does not prescribe a fixed number of sections.
In Carnatic usage, kirtana and kriti overlap. Kirtana often draws attention to devotional expression and lyrics, while discussions of kriti often emphasise composed musical form. This is a useful orientation, not an absolute division.
What to notice
Follow the refrain, the meaning of each verse, and the way repetition changes the expression. A devotional subject does not by itself determine how simple or elaborate the music will be.