What is Bhajan Clubbing? PM Modi attends Deendayal Upadhyay birth anniversary event in Delhi | Today’s news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ program at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park in Delhi on Friday, September 25, to mark the 110th birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
PM Modi attends ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ event in Delhi
Modi was seen listening to devotional songs, clapping and playing the tambourine at the event as artistes led the gathering.
The program brought a newer format of devotional music into the spotlight, with large groups gathering to sing and engage in bhajans in an environment more akin to a concert than a traditional prayer meeting.
What is ‘Bhajan Clubbing’?
“Bhajan Clubbing” refers to dedicated music events that preserve traditional bhajans while presenting them through a modern, high-energy concert format. Performances can include amplified music, guitars, drums, electronic beats, stage lighting and large-scale production, while the lyrics remain rooted in devotional songs.
The format is increasingly attracting younger audiences, including Gen Z. Events are generally positioned as alcohol- and drug-free gatherings where people can sing, dance, clap and participate in worship music in a social setting.
Reports of the trend have described it as a meeting place between traditional religious music and contemporary concert culture.
The idea is not entirely new. Devotional singing has long been a part of temples, community gatherings and religious celebrations, but organizers and performers have increasingly adapted its presentation for younger audiences and larger venues. Some events now resemble music concerts, complete with stage lighting and rock or electronic arrangements.
Why has this trend gained attention?
Bhajan clubbing has emerged as a visible cultural trend in several Indian cities, with events attracting both younger participants and families.
Organizers pitched it as a way to connect traditional devotional music with contemporary audiences without changing the religious songs themselves.
Modi had already talked about the trend during an episode of his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat in January 2026. He described bhajan clubs as a combination of devotion, culture, spirituality and modernity, and said such gatherings have found resonance among the youth. He also said that the events could resemble global concerts while preserving the sanctity of bhajans.
The format has also sparked debate about how religious traditions adapt to modern entertainment spaces. Supporters see it as a new way to engage younger audiences with devotional music, while some critics question the commercialization and changing presentation of religious practices.
Why was the event held in Delhi?
Friday’s program was organized to mark the birth anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyay, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the political organization that preceded the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Upadhyaya is associated with the Antyodaya philosophy, which emphasizes the upliftment and welfare of the poorest and most marginalized sections of society. The event therefore combined a commemorative occasion and the current format of devotional music, which has become more visible in recent months.
