https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/india-genz-music-dancing-festival-hindu-c79jzbm2z
A rare positive article on Hinduism in the Times! Baring a few gripes!
Arjuna Keshvani-Ham has written an article above which is a rare positive piece on Hinduism!
She describes a Bhajan Clubbing Event:
The event was the latest example of “Bhajan clubbing”, India’s version of drug and alcohol-free nights that have also become popular among Gen Z in the West. While many attendees were young people who booked tickets after watching reels of similar events on Instagram, the crowd also included older people and families with children.
For many in the crowd, this was more than just a party. What made the night special was the combination of traditional Hindu devotional practices with the energy of a nightclub. “We are Krishna-ji followers,” said one attendee. “It was both fun and spiritual. Once they begin chanting, you just go into a zone. It was very peaceful.” Global trends show religious affiliation has declined sharply among Gen Z and millennials. Not so in India. Fifty-three per cent of the country’s Gen Z believe religion is important, and 62 per cent of them pray daily, according to a YouGov-Mint survey.
On Friday September 4, India celebrated Krishna Janmashtami, an annual Hindu festival commemorating the birthday of Lord Krishna. The following night’s event included a ceremony called Dahi Handi, which takes place each year on Krishna Janmashtami. The ceremony typically includes young men building a human pyramid and breaking a clay pot filled with yoghurt, which hangs suspended above the crowd. It is a re-enactment of a scene from a legend about the young Krishna, who was said to sneak into neighbour’s houses to steal their freshly churned butter.
Prachi and Raghav Agarwal of The Backstage Siblings are the famous singers who perform Bhajan Jamming to packed out crowds. They told The Times: “Bhajan jamming is a new genre of music which we created, and now people are doing it across the globe. It helps people connect with themselves. It does not involve any intoxication. So people aren’t forced to conform to societal norms. It’s one place they can be themselves.” Since the group’s founding, Bhajan clubbing has expanded rapidly into a global movement. The duo have performed in more than 50 Indian cities, as well as venues in Germany, Singapore and Ireland. They are scheduled to perform in London next month.
The Gripe!
After describing a very positive Hindu phenomena Arjuna Keshvani-Ham indulges in some Hindu bashing but it is forgiven this time! Here is what she says:
The trend has emerged against a murkier backdrop — the rise of Hindu nationalist ideology under the ruling BJP party. Muslims and Christians have experienced rising persecution in Modi’s India, which is envisioned as a Hindu nation-state. Since Modi’s election in 2014 Hindu symbols have become increasingly central in Indian public life and political discourse. Traditional iconography and deities are being integrated into public architecture and official messaging, and prominent religious sites have been restored and transformed into symbols of cultural resurgence. Critics say the development undermines India’s constitutional foundations as a secular democracy.
Congratulations to the Times and Arjuna Keshvani -Ham for a rare positive article on Hindus! Arjuna Keshvani with a name like that has lived up to it! Hope Amrit Dhillon takes cognizance from Arjuna!
Nitin Mehta
www.nitinmehta.co.uk
10 September 2026
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