Why is young India embracing ‘Kirtan Clubbing’? Singer Kavita Paudwal breaks it down

A centuries-old form of devotional singing is being reimagined for a new generation as “kirtan clubbing” gains momentum across India’s urban music scene. Traditionally centred on call-and-response chanting accompanied by the mridanga, harmonium and kartals, kirtan is now being blended with electric guitars, synthesisers, drum kits and electronic loops. The genre’s modern makeover aims to preserve its spiritual depth while making it accessible to Gen Z and young professionals seeking experiences that feel both authentic and contemporary.

At these events, the atmosphere is markedly different from temple settings. Audiences gather in relaxed, festival-like spaces with modern lighting, lyrical projections and immersive visuals. The structure, however, remains communal: artists lead mantras from the stage while the crowd chants back, claps and often breaks into dance.

The audience is typically a mix of seasoned spiritual practitioners and curious newcomers drawn by social media. Instead of alcohol, there is chai; instead of drugs, sandalwood paste. Performers frequently pause to share stories or brief meditations, adding emotional resonance. Organisers say kirtan clubbing reflects how each generation reshapes tradition, his time into a vibrant, youth-friendly expression rooted in joy rather than intoxication.