NOIDA: Jungle Trail swayed to a different kind of beat on Sunday evening. The eco-art park near Mahamaya flyover buzzed with an over 2,000-strong crowd that had converged for a ‘bhajan clubbing’ concert — a live entertainment genre that combines devotion and nightlife.Dressed up in ethnic, dressed down in casuals, 20s, 30s, 40s, seniors, the eclectic crowd was treated to a fusion of bhajans with contemporary rock vibes.Many were experiencing this acoustic of devotional tunes but with a groovy guitar twist as strings and spirituality blended comfortably for the first time. This emerging trend, having gained momentum over the past six to eight months, isn’t just turning heads, it’s transforming perceptions of devotional music.
The evening began with lead vocalist Raghav Raja, 34, taking centre stage alongside his band — a group of musicians in their 20s to 30s.Raja, donning a vibrant yellow kurta and pyjama, opened with a Ganesh Vandana, “Om Ganapataye Namah.” He narrated the Shabari Prasang from Ramayan — Oh Raghukul Nanadan Kab Ayogey, Ram Ram Ratatey Beeti Re Umariya, followed by Ram Ram Jai Raja Ram, Ram Ram Jai Sita Ram. The band comprises guitarists Kulveer Singh Chauhan and Mukund, keyboard player Prateek Kumar, flautist Deepak Paswan, drummer Vinayak and tabla player Hariom Dutt Dongi.For many of the concert goers, the event was about experiencing something different.“This is my first time at a bhajan clubbing event,” said Mamta Rajegupta, from Sector 45. “I had heard so much about it, and when I saw a poster on the Noida Expressway, I couldn’t resist. My dream came true, and I loved every moment!”A BTech in mechanical engineering from Babu Banarasi Das Institute of Technology, Ghaziabad, Raja was recently bestowed the young achiever’s award at the Delhi govt’s Vasant Utsav.He lost his father and younger sister to Covid, after which Raja returned to the family fore of classical music, from where he branched into bhajan clubbing in mid-2025. His unique approach leverages storytelling in between devotional performances, creating a relatable experience for the audience. “My performances typically last 2 to 2.5 hours. I aim to create a narrative that resonates with people,” he said.
At the event, Raja followed his act with another chant in eulogy of Lord Hanuman. “Veer Hanumana, Ati Balwana, Ram Naam Japiyo Re, Prabhu Man Basiyo Re”.Angad Kumar, a devotee of Lord Hanuman, shared his surprise at the modern interpretation of traditional bhajans. “To experience devotional chants alongside live instruments and a modern beat is something I never imagined. It’s exhilarating,” said Kumar.Initially an experimental genre during festivals like Navratri and Durga Puja, bhajan clubbing has now blossomed into a standalone culture, with social media overflowing with images of youngsters in ethnic attire and barefoot, dancing to a blend of bhajans set to DJ tracks. In the city, an average of more such events is lining up during festivals.
The process is similar to registering for a regular concert. Aggregator platforms list events and you book tickets, which are driven by artiste popularity, venue, and festival timing, among other things. Some events are also free of cost. Avantika Singh, who travelled from Greater Noida’s Sector Pi, said: “I discovered this event on Instagram and wanted to experience this fresh take on bhajans. It was fantastic!”The genre gravitates towards a euphoric spirit rather than a strict religious experience. One participant summed it up: “This is my vibe.”
