Modi joins devotional music at Delhi Bhajan Clubbing event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Bhajan Clubbing programme at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park in Delhi on September 25, joining an event held to mark the birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Deendayal Upadhyaya. During devotional performances, Modi was seen playing a khanjari, a small handheld percussion instrument, and participating in the music. The programme brought devotional songs into a contemporary, concert-style setting. Reports described Modi listening to performances and clapping along as well as playing the instrument. The event took place on the anniversary of Upadhyaya’s birth; no attendance figure was provided. Bhajan Clubbing combines traditional bhajans with modern musical arrangements and a more concert-like presentation. Descriptions of the format include live performers and amplified music. Although some reports characterize such gatherings as attracting younger audiences, the available accounts did not provide audience data to establish the event’s size or the age profile of those attending. Modi had discussed Bhajan Clubbing in January during an episode of his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme.