These Gen Zers are into a new kind of clubbing and it’s more prayer than party
Gen Z Indians Embrace Bhajan Clubbing: A Sober Celebration of Spirituality
These Gen Zers are into a new - In Mumbai’s bustling commercial district, a crowd of young professionals and teens gathers outside a vast venue resembling an aircraft hangar. Event workers swiftly scan QR codes and attach wristbands to attendees. Groups of friends snap selfies while waiting in line, their excitement palpable as the night progresses. When the doors finally open, nearly 5,000 participants enter, shedding their shoes and settling cross-legged on the floor. The air hums with anticipation as the lights dim, signaling the start of an experience unlike any traditional concert.
Instead of pounding bass or pop anthems, the atmosphere is filled with the soothing echoes of Hindu devotional songs—bhajans—often sung in temples or during religious processions. As the melodies swell, sections of the audience rise to join in rhythmic clapping, harmonized chanting, and synchronized dance. The energy is electric, yet there’s no trace of smoke or alcohol. Attendees have opted out of indulging in drugs, choosing instead to immerse themselves in a spiritual journey.
The Rise of Bhajan Clubbing
This trend, dubbed “Bhajan clubbing,” is gaining traction among India’s youth. It blends the communal vibrancy of modern raves with the meditative essence of devotional music, offering a fresh take on both. Similar to “sober curious” events or “coffee raves” popular in Europe and America, the gatherings reflect a global shift toward mindful consumption and spiritual exploration.
"A concert that can actually bring you closer to God, it was tremendous, amazing," said Jill Veera, 25, after her first Bhajan clubbing event. "At most concerts, smoking, vaping, or alcohol is natural, but here, sipping buttermilk felt like my own kind of ritual."
After two hours of immersive singing and chanting, the crowd exits in cheerful clusters. The event’s blend of tradition and innovation resonates with attendees, who find solace in its harmonious rhythm. Bhajans, though ancient, are being reimagined for a new generation. These sacred hymns, once confined to religious spaces, now echo through large venues equipped with LED screens, smoke machines, and live performances.
The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
At the heart of this movement are Backstage Siblings, a duo who have redefined bhajans for contemporary audiences. From childhood, they’ve infused centuries-old devotional music with modern flair, crafting a format that appeals to India’s urban youth. “Alcohol and clubbing are two different things,” explained Raghav Agarwal, one of the performers. “Alcohol is about intoxication, while clubbing is about enjoyment—both can coexist, but here, the focus is on connection, not chaos.”
Prachi Agarwal, his sister and partner in the act, added that the event’s inclusivity allows people of all ages to participate. “Whether you come with grandparents, friends, or a date, the experience is universal,” she said. The trend has even attracted support from Saregama, a prominent Indian music label, highlighting its growing cultural significance.
Online, the phenomenon has sparked widespread engagement. Videos of crowds chanting under glowing lights, strangers embracing in shared euphoria, and dancers moving barefoot have amassed millions of views. Supporters view it as a revival of devotion, unbound by rigid temple rituals. However, critics argue it risks commercializing spirituality, transforming sacred practices into performative spectacles.
Bhajan clubbing has emerged alongside India’s evolving political landscape. With Hindu symbolism increasingly shaping public discourse, the trend aligns with a broader cultural movement that emphasizes religious identity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a leader of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, has publicly endorsed the gatherings, calling them “heartening” as Gen Z redefines what it means to connect with the divine.