In Mumbai, a new kind of clubbing is drawing thousands of young Indians—not for alcohol or electronic music, but for centuries-old Hindu devotional songs. Known as “bhajan clubbing,” these events combine the energy of a concert with the reverence of a temple, attracting Gen Z crowds seeking connection, calm, and community.
Held in large venues with smoke machines, LED screens, and theatrical production, bhajan clubbing offers a modern setting for traditional bhajans. Organizers ban alcohol and drugs, and attendees describe the experience as both uplifting and sobering. “Instead of feeling stressed or getting a hangover, they are feeling a sense of calm,” says Nikunj Gupta of Sanatana Journey, the company behind many such events.
The trend is part of a broader shift among Gen Z globally toward “sober curious” events. In India, it also reflects a growing interest in spirituality and religious identity. The duo Backstage Siblings, who perform at these gatherings, say their goal is to make bhajans accessible to young people. “Alcohol and clubbing are two different things,” says Raghav Agarwal. “Alcohol is being intoxicated, clubbing is enjoying yourself.”
Attendees like 25-year-old Jill Veera praise the experience: “A concert that can actually bring you towards God, it was tremendous, amazing.” The events have drawn support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s oldest music label, Saregama. Critics, however, warn that the commercialization of spirituality risks turning devotion into spectacle.
With an average age of 29, India’s young population is seeking outlets for stress and anxiety in a competitive society. Bhajan clubbing offers a temporary escape—a place to sing, dance, and feel part of something larger. The trend is now spreading to other Indian cities and overseas, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
