For some families in Bengaluru, a weekend outing meant less mall-hopping and more bhajan jamming. At Atta Galatta, parents and children gathered for a morning of devotional music, singing and dancing with storyteller Priya Subramanian and musician Anagha Karvir, creating a fun space for children to dance, participate and enjoy.‘Kids also deserve a party’Priya Subramanian wanted children to experience bhajans not as a formal concert, but as a celebration. “Kids also deserve to have a party — a satvik party where they can dance,” she says. Her bhajan jamming sessions combine devotional music and storytelling, drawing from Puranic tales that she feels can be both entertaining and child-friendly. “The stories introduce children to different deities in a more relatable way, focusing on the values and human ideas behind them rather than presenting gods as distant figures who simply teach strict lessons,” shares Priya.
We are exploring different ways of introducing music and stories from our culture. Growing up, we heard all tales of Gods. In Bengaluru, it is difficult to find places like this
Anagha, who came with her 2-year-old son
‘This format can be a weekly dose of recharge for people’Priya sees potential for the format to become a regular family outing. “Parents have already asked if the sessions can be held more frequently. It can be a possible weekly dose of recharge or a monthly dose of recharge,” she says and hopes the sessions can bring grandparents into the experience, echoing their traditional role in passing down stories and wisdom. Her larger aim is to present that same warmth in a contemporary setting and help children connect with the spirit of Indian wisdom — particularly the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one family.
She has shown too much interest in rhythm and music from the very start. The blend of classical music and devotional songs made the session a good way to give her an early exposure
Surabhi, who came with her 2.5-year-old daughter
