Is ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ The New Way Gen Z Is Rediscovering Spirituality? PM Modi Thinks So

India

oi-Swastika Sruti

In
the
130th
episode
of
Mann
Ki
Baat,
Prime
Minister
Narendra
Modi
spoke
about
a
new
cultural
trend
that
is
gaining
popularity
among
young
Indians
–
“bhajan
clubbing.” He
said
it
was
heartening
to
see
today’s
youth
embracing
devotional
music
in
their
own
modern
way
while
still
respecting
its
spiritual
meaning.

The
Prime
Minister
noted
that
although
these
events
may
look
like
music
concerts
at
first
glance,
the
essence
of
devotion
remains
unchanged.
According
to
him,
bhajans
have
always
stood
for
focus,
discipline,
and
emotional
purity,
and
it
is
encouraging
that
the
younger
generation
is
preserving
these
values
even
in
a
contemporary
setup.

Young
Indians
Redefine
Devotion

PM
Modi
said
that
every
generation
expresses
faith
differently,
and
Gen
Z
is
no
exception.
He
mentioned
coming
across
videos
where
large
groups
of
young
people
gather
in
urban
spaces
for
bhajan
performances
featuring
professional
sound
systems
and
stage
lighting.

Despite
the
modern
presentation,
he
observed
that
the
atmosphere
at
these
gatherings
remains
deeply
spiritual.
He
also
appreciated
the
fact
that
the
youth
have
maintained
the
dignity
of
the
lyrics
and
the
emotions
behind
devotional
songs,
without
diluting
their
meaning.

When
Prayer
Feels
Like
a
Music
Festival

Popularly
described
as
a
“sober
rave,”
bhajan
clubbing
blends
devotional
lyrics
with
modern
music
elements.
The
songs
are
centred
around
Hindu
deities
such
as
Lord
Krishna,
Shiva,
and
Ram,
but
are
performed
using
instruments
like
guitars,
drums,
and
electronic
beats.

The
trend
reportedly
began
in
Ahmedabad
and
has
quickly
spread
to
cities
like
Bengaluru
and
Delhi.
These
events
attract
large
crowds
of
young
people
who
dance
and
sing
along,
much
like
at
a
music
festival.
For
many,
it
offers
a
way
to
connect
with
spirituality
outside
the
traditional
temple
setting.

Social
Media
Divided
Over
the
Trend

While
bhajan
clubbing
events
are
often
sold
out,
opinions
online
remain
divided.
Supporters
believe
the
trend
makes
religion
more
relatable
and
appealing
to
younger
audiences.
Attendees
say
these
gatherings
offer
clean,
positive
fun
without
alcohol,
and
allow
people
to
celebrate
faith
in
casual
clothing
while
still
feeling
culturally
connected.

However,
critics
argue
that
devotional
music
should
not
be
mixed
with
club
culture.
Some
social
media
users
feel
the
trend
relies
too
heavily
on
visuals
and
social
media
hype,
and
worry
that
sacred
chants
are
being
turned
into
entertainment.

Despite
the
criticism,
Gen
Z
participants
see
bhajan
clubbing
as
a
genuine
expression
of
devotion
–
one
that
blends
tradition
with
modern
life,
without
losing
its
spiritual
core.