I have been invited as the Chief Guest to a Mahashivratri Bhajan Clubbing event on 15 February at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. For many days, I had been seeing promotional posts about Bhajan Clubbing on Facebook, and I felt happy that today’s youth are being drawn toward devotional music in this new format. When I was told that around 2,000 young men and women from Delhi-NCR would be attending, and that the program would blend modern elements with traditional values, I could not refuse. My constant aim has always been to connect young people with Indian culture and values.
When Harsh informed me that Bansuri Swaraj would also be performing, my joy knew no bounds. Although I have to travel early on the morning of 16 February, as a devotee of Lord Shiva, I feel that this opportunity itself has been given to me by Shiva. Artists such as Gajendra Pratap Singh and the Suhas Sawan Immersive Kirtan Team from Mumbai will also be present. I do not know whether this is a commercial event or something else, but the effort itself is commendable.
Today’s youth want to understand their roots. Amid materialism and Western influence, they seek a connection with their own culture. Between competition, career pressure, and the race of social media, bhajans, meditation, and spiritual music can offer them peace. In the age of Instagram reels, YouTube links, and views, when bhajans are presented with modern beats, DJ, and lighting, devotional music becomes trendy as well. I often hear storyteller Indresh Ji’s devotional “Jagannath…” reels being sung by youth, children, and women on social media, and I too have found myself humming along. What we repeatedly see and like, we eventually begin to adopt.
Earlier, clubbing was associated only with dance and parties. Now, “Bhajan Clubbing” combines music, dance, energy, and devotion, attracting young people. I am also learning that some youth are moving away from intoxication or negative influences and toward “cultural entertainment.” Today’s youth are becoming religious, but not in an old-fashioned way—they want devotion with energy, music, and modern presentation.
I will also observe whether this initiative, especially on the sacred day of Mahashivratri, upholds reverence, dignity, and positivity. If it does, it could spark a new cultural awakening. But if its purpose is merely crowd-gathering, publicity, or corporate promotion, then its impact may be limited. Even if 10 out of 2,000 young participants genuinely feel drawn to devotion, the effort will be meaningful, because it will reflect an inner calling.
Earlier, clubbing meant entertainment alone. Today, “Bhajan Clubbing” offers music and energy along with devotion. This shows that if youth can turn toward harmful habits, they can also turn toward culture and values. Bhajan is not just beats and lights; it is emotion, connection, and inner peace. If devotion becomes only an event, its effect will be temporary. But if it becomes a part of life, it can guide society in a new direction.
Today’s generation visits temples and uses smartphones. They celebrate Mahashivratri and build startups. This is the new India, where tradition and progress walk together. If festivals create unity and cultural programs generate positivity, it is a beautiful beginning. Religion should not be mere display—it should become conduct in life.
I can confidently say that when youth awaken, the nation progresses; and when youth connect with their roots, the nation grows stronger. Earlier, bhajans were associated only with the elderly. Today, young people are embracing them in new styles and forms. Along with career growth, today’s youth seek mental peace. So let us not limit this Mahashivratri to devotion and celebration alone—let us use it to strengthen society and the nation.
