What in the World - Why young Indians are ditching clubbing for devotional concerts

Why young Indians are ditching clubbing for devotional concerts

Download Why young Indians are ditching clubbing for devotional concerts

Bhajan clubbing is India’s latest cultural trend. People across the country are swarming to bhajan concerts. Instead of club music and vodka shots, they’re enjoying devotional music, chanting and chai. But it’s still high energy with lots of production, like lasers. Many have praised the events for offering a wholesome alternative to traditional clubbing and a nice way to connect with like-minded people. Lots use the opportunity to get dressed-up in their best traditional glitz too.

And even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has phrased the movement saying: ‘Our Gen-Z is taking to bhajan Clubbing... it is spirituality and modernity merging beautifully, particularly keeping in mind the sanctity of the bhajans’.

So what’s it like at a bhajan club? We’re joined by two friends Pari and Muskan who have attended an event in Delhi. They share why they loved it so much.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: William Lee Adams, Mora Morrison and Julia Ross-Roy
Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Thursday, 29th January 2026.

Available Podcasts from What in the World

Subscribe to What in the World

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the What in the World webpage.