What is Bhajan Clubbing? PM Modi attends Delhi event marking Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a 'Bhajan Clubbing' event at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park in Delhi on Friday, 25 September, to commemorate the 110th birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. The event featured a modern take on traditional devotional music, with large groups singing and engaging in bhajans in a more concert-like setting.

'Bhajan Clubbing' refers to events that combine traditional bhajans with contemporary concert elements such as amplified music, guitars, drums, electronic beats, stage lighting, and large-scale production. These events have gained popularity among younger audiences, including Gen Z, and are generally alcohol- and drug-free gatherings where people can participate in devotional music in a social setting.

The trend of Bhajan Clubbing has emerged as a visible cultural phenomenon in several Indian cities, with events attracting both younger participants and families. Organizers promote it as a way to connect traditional devotional music with contemporary audiences without altering the religious songs themselves. Prime Minister Modi previously spoke about the trend during his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme, describing it as a blend of devotion, culture, spirituality, and modernity that resonates with young people.

The event also served as a commemoration of Deendayal Upadhyaya, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the political predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Upadhyaya is known for his philosophy of Antyodaya, which focuses on uplifting the poorest and most marginalized sections of society. Thus, the 'Bhajan Clubbing' event combined a commemorative occasion with a contemporary devotional music format that has gained visibility in recent months.

While the format of Bhajan Clubbing has received praise from supporters for its ability to engage younger audiences with devotional music, it has also sparked debate among critics regarding the commercialization and changing presentation of religious practices in modern entertainment spaces.