In an era where virtual connections are increasingly superficial, a spiritual revolution is brewing, one that harmonises ancient devotion with modern rhythms. Soul-stirring kirtans, immersive storytelling, and high-energy collective vibes with pounding drums and electric guitars are rewriting the rules of spiritual expression.
Welcome to the new-age phenomenon of bhajan clubbing, where seekers of the sacred converge to experience the transcendent power of sound and community. This youth-driven movement fuses centuries-old devotional songs (bhajans) with club-inspired energy, satisfying Gen Z’s hunger for both meaning and mindful partying. Imagine a party where the music isn’t EDM or Bollywood, but remixed Sanskrit mantras and bhajans, amplified on powerful speakers or sung live.
Participants gather in dim lounges, open terraces, or repurposed nightclubs, barefoot, hands raised, with incense wafting and neon mandala projections swirling, chanting “Hare Krishna” or “Govinda” to groovy beats.
The UK’s bhajan jamming movement
Bhavik Haria, an international vocalist central to the UK’s bhajan jamming scene, prefers the term “jamming” over “clubbing” because the energy is more collective and spiritual. “It removes the boundaries between the stage and the audience, everyone becomes one, singing and vibing together,”
Reflecting on why these gatherings appeal to the youth that is generally distant from organised religion, he said, “I think it’s resonating because, in the chaos of everyday life, more young people are searching for spaces that bring them peace and calm. That’s essentially what this creates. People are also starting to experience Bhajans differently, not as slow, sad songs but as something joyful, energetic and uplifting. It’s about coming together, singing your hearts out, clapping, and creating a high positive energy collectively. Bhajans don’t have to be heavy, they can be happy and full of life.
“At the same time, people are beginning to understand the meanings and stories behind the Bhajans and appreciate their depth and beauty. A lot of young people are open to spirituality, but they don’t necessarily connect with strict formal structures. This feels more natural and personal, allowing them to connect in their own way, rather than through something that feels forced or preachy.”
Having hosted bhajan concerts worldwide for the past five years, Bhavik notes, “this is just a new expression of something very old: people coming together through music to feel something deeper than themselves.” He is confident that this is not a trend but a practice here to stay.
Bhavik Haria’s upcoming UK Bhajan Jams will take place in London on 8 February, Leicester on 8 March, Northampton on 21 March, Birmingham on 28 March, and Milton Keynes on 29 March, with bookings available via his website at https://bhavikharia.com/.
India’s spiritual remix
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spotlighted the trend in his 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat, praising how bhajan clubbing merges spirituality with modernity while preserving the sanctity of bhajans. “Bhajans and kirtans have been the soul of our culture for centuries. Today’s youth have incorporated the spirit of devotion into their experiences and lifestyles,” the PM said.
Backstage Siblings, Prachi and Raghav, sit at the centre of this shift, recognising a feeling many had forgotten how to name. Years of attending satsangs and listening to bhajans with their father shaped their understanding of sound: collective, unpolished, and grounding. With no fixed setlist and the belief that the main stage is the audience, each session is curated in the moment.
“There was never a time when bhajans weren’t present, it’s just that today, people are rediscovering their value. What this shift really means is that people are now consciously choosing presence over noise, and depth over distraction. People have forgotten how to pause and look up, and these sessions allow them to give some time of their day to themselves, to truly be present and feel.”
Around 80% of their audience is Gen Z, aged 18 to 35. “We’ve seen people from all age groups come for our sessions, but at its heart this is an initiative by the youth and for the youth. It truly makes us happy to see so many people from our generation showing up, supporting it, and taking this forward with so much love,” they said.
Their India Bhajan Jamming Tour has kicked off, drawing 4,000–5,000 people per show. Having performed internationally in Singapore and Dubai, they have announced a US tour for May–June.
