In the artwork "Kirtan," the artist masterfully
intertwines folk culture's enchanting elements to create a dream-like tableau,
enriched by a vibrant palette of blues, sap greens, and reds. Amid lush
surroundings, a jubilant celebration of divine femininity unfolds in this
composition. Jayasri Burman's meticulous attention to detail is evident
throughout the painting. She presents a goddess embodying a mermaid form,
typically associated with Goddess Lakshmi, while swans with the heads of women
symbolize luck and prosperity. To the right, a figure engrossed in playing
cymbals or "manjire," frequently heard in devotional songs or
kirtans, harmoniously weaves the painting's overarching theme. These richly
inspired elements draw from Bengali folk stories, culminating in a captivating
visual narrative.