Late night clubbing has long been associated with loud beats, flashing lights and packed dance floors. But a quiet change is afoot in India’s urban nightlife. Instead of EDM drops or party anthems, crowds are now gathering to sing bhajans, groove to devotional rhythms and find peace amidst the chaos. welcome to the world of ‘Hymn Clubbing,’ A growing cultural movement that combines ancient devotion with modern concert culture.
At first glance, hymn clubbing may seem contradictory. Bhajans are traditionally associated with temples, satsangs and slow, meditative settings. Clubbing, on the other hand, is loud, youthful and fast-paced. Yet, this unlikely fusion is what is attracting young audiences in droves.
In an interview with Zee News Digital, Nikunj Gupta, Founder of Sanatan Journey, shared his philosophy behind the growing trend. He revealed that the biggest reason behind its popularity is how it reinstates devotion for the modern audience.
Add Zee News as favorite source
Q. Why do you think there has been a rise in bhajan clubbing in recent years, especially in urban areas?
One. He says, “Bhajan clubbing offers audiences a unique experience that is not easily available or available in the old fashioned way. A format of clubbing offers a new perspective as well as a modern concert-like experience.”
In cities where traditional community spaces are shrinking and stress levels are rising, bhajan clubbing offers something rare, a shared spiritual experience that feels contemporary rather than outdated. The lights, sound system and energy of the crowd make it feel immersive, while the music connects people to something deeper.
Interestingly, this movement is being largely promoted by Gen Z, who are often considered restless, distracted and glued to screens. Yet his growing interest in devotional music tells a different story.
Q. Why do you think Gen Z, often considered digitally distracted, is gravitating towards bhajans and devotional music today?
One. Nikunj explains, “Gen Z may be distracted, but they are very open about spirituality, and events like this allow them to explore it.”
For many youth, hymn clubbing is not about religion in a strict sense. It’s about exploration, grounding and emotional release. In a world of constant notifications and pressure to perform, chanting together in a dark club feels unexpectedly liberating.
However, not everyone views this trend positively. Critics argue that devotions and nightlife should not mix, and some worry about commercialization.
Q. Have you seen resistance from conservatives, and how do you respond to those concerns?
One. He says, “Some people think we’re making money from it, but we try to explain to everyone that instead of the traditional way of fundraising, we sell tickets and people attending are what finance the experience.”
Organizers argue that the format may be modern, but the intention is the same: to bring people together through devotion. He says ticketing is a transparent way to sustain large-scale events in today’s world.
Beyond the music and spectacle, many attendees describe Bhajan Clubbing as emotionally transformative.
Q. Many young people describe clubbing as ‘healing’ or ‘grounding’. What is your view on this?
One. He revealed, “Anything that connects someone to their spirituality can be therapeutic. We’re happy to be a medium.”
This sense of healing may explain why bhajan clubbing feels less like a trend and more like a movement. People aren’t just coming for entertainment – they’re returning for emotional peace, collective energy and a sense of belonging.
Looking ahead, the future of hymn clubbing appears broad rather than experimental.
Q. How do you see Bhajan Clubbing evolving in the next five to ten years?
One. Nikunj says, “This is going to be a big space in the coming future and we are very happy to launch it. Bhajan Clubbing has the potential to take over Sufi nights.”
As devotional music finds new expressions, bhajan clubbing may soon become a staple in the urban cultural calendar, just as Sufi nights once were. What started as an unconventional idea is now shaping up to be how a generation reconnects with spirituality on its own terms, in its own language.
At a time when many are searching for meaning beyond material success and social media recognition, Bhajan Club stands at an interesting crossroads – where faith meets emotion, and tradition finds a new rhythm.
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not endorse its accuracy or reliability. The details shared in this article are taken from multiple sources, including traditional beliefs and folklore. Readers are encouraged to view this information as general guidance rather than established fact and apply their own judgment while interpreting it.)