The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the full list of films eligible for the 98th Oscars across Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature categories. This year’s lineup features a diverse global mix, including major streaming hits, animated blockbusters and acclaimed international titles.
Strong Contenders in Best Animated Feature
Netflix’s global success “KPop Demon Hunters” headlines the list of 35 eligible animated features. Its qualifying theatrical run in key US cities ensured compliance with Academy rules. Other major entries include Disney’s “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” Neon’s “Arco,” GKids’ “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain,” Japan’s “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle,” and India’s high-grossing “Mahavatar Narsimha.” Notably, China’s “Ne Zha 2” is absent from the list.
Record Submissions in Documentary Category
The documentary feature race has attracted 201 submissions, the highest among all categories this year. Members of the documentary branch will vote to produce a shortlist of 15 films on 16 December, which will later be narrowed to five official nominees. A number of high-profile investigative, cultural and historical documentaries are expected to compete intensely for limited slots.
International Feature Race Gains Momentum
A total of 86 international films have been deemed eligible, representing varied cinematic traditions worldwide. Notable entries include “Homebound” from India, “Sentimental Value” from Norway, “Sirat” from Spain, “The Secret Agent” from Brazil and “The Voice of Hind Rajab” from Tunisia. Several titles, including the co-produced “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” are competing in both the documentary and international categories.
Facts
There are 35 eligible films in the Best Animated Feature category.
The documentary category received 201 submissions, the highest among all sections.
International feature submissions total 86 for the 98th Oscars.
Shortlists for animation, documentary and international categories will be announced on 16 December.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Nominations
Fans are closely watching whether “KPop Demon Hunters,” regarded as a strong contender, secures a nomination on 22 January. Its original song “Golden” is also in contention in the Best Original Song category. Winners will be announced when the 98th Academy Awards airs live on 15 March, marking the climax of a highly competitive awards season.
150 Years of Vande Mataram: On 7 November 2025, India commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram—a timeless salutation meaning “Mother, I bow to thee.” The iconic composition, which stirred the hearts of generations of freedom fighters and nation builders, remains a profound symbol of India’s national identity and collective consciousness.
Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan on 7 November 1875, the hymn was later incorporated into his celebrated novel Anandamath (1882) and set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. Over the decades, Vande Mataram evolved from a literary creation into an anthem of India’s civilizational, cultural, and political awakening. Marking this milestone provides an opportunity to reaffirm its eternal message of unity, sacrifice, and devotion to the motherland.
Historical Background
Understanding Vande Mataram requires tracing its journey from a poetic composition to a national symbol of resistance.
The first publication of the song in 1875 is supported by references such as Sri Aurobindo’s article in the English daily Bande Mataram dated 16 April 1907, where he notes that “thirty-two years ago” Bankim had composed the hymn, though it initially received little attention.
Before Anandamath appeared as a book, it was serialized in the Bengali magazine Bangadarshan, with “Vande Mataram” featured in its very first installment (March–April 1881).
The song’s influence soon crossed borders. In 1907, at Stuttgart, Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled the first Indian tricolour on foreign soil—bearing the words Vande Mataram.
Anandamath and the Religion of Patriotism
At the heart of Anandamath lies a band of monks, the Santanas, who dedicate their lives to the liberation of their motherland. Their devotion is embodied in the song Vande Mataram, which captures the essence of what Sri Aurobindo described as the “religion of patriotism.”
The Santanas worship the motherland through three symbolic images:
The Mother That Was – magnificent and resplendent,
The Mother That Is – fallen and enslaved,
The Mother That Will Be – restored to glory.
In Sri Aurobindo’s words: “The Mother of his vision held trenchant steel in her twice seventy million hands and not the bowl of the mendicant.”
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838–1894), one of the tallest figures in 19th-century Bengal, played a decisive role in shaping modern Bengali prose and India’s early nationalist consciousness. A prolific novelist, poet, and essayist, his works—Durgeshnandini (1865), Kapalkundala (1866), Anandamath (1882), and Devi Chaudhurani (1884)—captured the social and cultural anxieties of a colonised society seeking identity.
Vande Mataram stands as his most enduring contribution—an emotional and spiritual invocation of the motherland that laid the ideological foundation for India’s nationalist movement.
Vande Mataram: Song of Resistance
By the early 20th century, Vande Mataram had become a rallying point for political mobilisation.
In 1905, the Bande Mataram Sampradaya emerged in North Calcutta to popularise the hymn as a patriotic mission. Its members organised Prabhat Pheris every Sunday, singing Vande Mataram and collecting voluntary contributions. Rabindranath Tagore himself sometimes joined these marches.
On 20 May 1906, Barisal (now in Bangladesh) witnessed an unprecedented procession of over 10,000 people—Hindus and Muslims alike—marching under the Vande Mataram flag.
That same year, the English daily Bande Mataram, edited by Bipin Chandra Pal and later Sri Aurobindo, became a powerful voice of political awakening. Its fearless editorials inspired nationalism, unity, and self-reliance.
Alarmed by its growing influence, the British administration imposed restrictions. Educational institutions in Eastern Bengal were prohibited from singing Vande Mataram, with warnings of derecognition. Students faced fines, threats of expulsion, and even police action for chanting the slogan.
From Rangpur to Dhulia to Belgaum, punitive measures only strengthened the people’s resolve—turning Vande Mataram into an act of defiance.
Battle Cry for Resurgent Nationalism
During the anti-partition and Swadeshi movements of 1905, the emotional power of Vande Mataram reached its peak. It transcended regional boundaries, echoing from Bengal’s lanes to Bombay’s mills and Punjab’s fields.
Students, leaders, and revolutionaries chanted it at meetings, protests, and even before imprisonment. Despite suppression, the hymn emerged as a unifying moral force, fueling the dream of swaraj and fostering cultural pride.
Rabindranath Tagore first sang Vande Mataram at the 1896 Congress Session.
In 1905, the Indian National Congress adopted it for all-India events.
By 1950, the Constituent Assembly formally recognised Vande Mataram as India’s National Song—cementing its legacy as the soundtrack of the freedom struggle.
In a first-of-its-kind ruling in India’s creator economy, the Delhi High Court has granted content creator and podcaster Raj Shamani interim protection over his personality rights, officially recognising that his name, face, voice, likeness and digital identity are intellectual property deserving legal protection.
This landmark ruling arrives at a time when AI-driven deepfakes, fake ads, scam endorsements and impersonation accounts have begun threatening the credibility of public figures.
Inside the Case: When Deepfakes Crossed the Line Shamani approached the court after discovering rampant misuse of his digital persona – AI-generated videos, edited clips, fake endorsements promoting betting platforms and crypto scams, scam Telegram accounts, morphed parody videos, and even unauthorized booking pages offering him for events.
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora acknowledged Shamani as a well-recognised public figure with established goodwill, making him vulnerable to exploitation. The court restrained known and unknown entities from using any part of his persona for commercial gains without his permission.
What is a John Doe order & why it matters A John Doe order is a powerful legal injunction issued against unknown persons especially when violations are happening anonymously or through untraceable accounts. In India, courts pass John Doe orders when:The identity of the offenders is unknown, misuse is widespread across digital platforms, there is a risk of reputational or financial damage and lastly immediate action is required to prevent further harm.
In Shamani’s case, the order enables platforms like Google, Meta, and Telegram to take down infringing content and disclose the Basic Subscriber Information of anonymous violators within 72 hours.
A win for all Indian creators Beyond personal victory, this ruling sets a judicial precedent affirming that digital identity is real IP. Shamani’s fight now acts as a blueprint for Indian creators dealing with AI misuse, deepfakes, impersonation and fraudulent endorsements. With the next hearing scheduled for April 24, 2026, enforcement and monitoring will continue as platforms work to curb future violations.
This case marks a pivotal shift, India is finally recognising the legal boundaries of the digital self, and creators are no longer unprotected in the age of AI.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant set in Bangkok, Thailand was meant to be a dazzling celebration of global beauty and empowerment. Instead, it unraveled into one of the most explosive controversies in the pageant’s history, igniting walkouts, resignations, diplomatic reactions, and accusations of rigging.
The confrontation that started it all The storm broke during a pre-pageant meeting when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil launched into a harsh tirade against Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, accusing her of failing to promote Thailand on social media. His remarks allegedly included calling her a “dumbhead.”
The situation escalated so severely that security was summoned to escort Bosch out. Outraged, contestants including Denmark’s Victoria Theilvig walked out in solidarity, defying Nawat’s threat: “If anyone wants to continue the contest, sit down.”
Backlash goes global Social media erupted. Fans, journalists, and even Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the incident as humiliating and disrespectful. Under immense pressure, the Miss Universe Organization restricted Nawat’s involvement. He later issued tearful apologies twice, attempting damage control.
Judges resign & rigging allegations erupt Just days before the grand finale, controversy deepened. Judge and composer Omar Harfouch resigned, alleging that a “secret committee” had already pre-selected the Top 30. He further claimed conflicts of interest, including an alleged affair between a contestant and a selection committee member.
Soon after, judge Claude Makélélé withdrew without explanation. The Miss Universe Organization denied any impropriety, banned Harfouch from the brand, and reaffirmed the integrity of the evaluation process.
Amid the chaos, a Queen emerges Despite the turbulence, the show went on. Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025, earning global praise for her composure and her final message on women’s dignity and empowerment.
With 122 contestants, high drama, and unprecedented scrutiny, Miss Universe 2025 will be remembered less for its crown and more for the earthquake it caused in the pageant world.
India delivered a knockout performance at the World Boxing Cup (WBC) Finals, finishing with an extraordinary 20 medals including nine gold, six silver, and five bronze marking one of the nation’s most dominant outings in international boxing.
Women rule the ring The spotlight belonged to India’s women boxers, who powered an inspiring gold rush. Seven women clinched the top podium, including reigning world champions Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria, alongside the ever-reliable Nikhat Zareen, who displayed her trademark aggression and precision.
Their victories come at a time when Indian women athletes are scripting one of the most successful years in the country’s sporting history. Just weeks earlier, the Indian women’s cricket team made headlines by lifting the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, earning global praise and breaking long-standing barriers in the sport. Together, these triumphs signal a powerful shift women aren’t just participating; they’re leading India’s sporting revolution.
Men bring the heat too Adding to the glory were Hitesh Gulia and Sachin Siwach, who struck gold in their respective men’s categories. Both posted dominant wins, keeping the momentum alive and contributing to India’s overall sweep.
A medal in every category – literally As the host nation, India fielded competitors across all 20 weight categories and achieved the rare feat of winning a medal in every single one. This perfect medal record reflects the strength of India’s bench, coaching program, and strategic preparation for a home event of this scale.
A golden chapter for Indian sport The WBC Finals turned into a celebration of India’s boxing revolution, especially the rise of women boxers who continue to redefine excellence. With nine gold medals and a performance that blended precision, power, and passion, India has sent a loud message to the world: a new boxing powerhouse has arrived, and it’s here to stay. From the cricket field to the boxing ring, 2025 is emerging as a year where India’s women are leading from the front, inspiring millions and rewriting sporting history. The WBC Finals were not just a tournament they were a declaration: India’s era of unstoppable girl power has officially begun.
If you thought India’s only desert-like landscape existed in the Thar, think again. Hidden deep within Tamil Nadu lies a surreal, fiery-red wilderness that looks straight out of Mars -Theri Kaadu, South India’s stunning red-sand desert stretching across Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli.
A crimson desert born from the ocean Theri Kaadu’s origins are nothing short of extraordinary. Formed during the Quaternary Period, its sands trace back to a time when sea levels were much lower. As the exposed sea shelf dried out nearly 10,000 years ago, powerful winds carried iron-rich sediments inland. Over millennia, these particles accumulated into rolling red dunes, earning the name ‘Theri’, meaning red ferruginous soil.
This is no typical desert created by heat and drought. It is a geological phenomenon, a fusion of ancient marine deposits and relentless wind action. Scientists call it a “living landscape,” constantly shifting and reshaping.
Why Theri Kaadu looks like Mars The desert’s dramatic crimson colour comes from its heavy iron oxide content rich in hematite, limonite, magnetite and other iron minerals. According to soil experts, its pigmentation aligns with the 2.5 YR hue in the Munsell colour system, the same shade often observed in Martian soil samples. No wonder travellers say it feels like standing on the Red Planet.
A desert that never stays still What makes Theri Kaadu unique is its movement. Unlike most deserts where dunes settle over centuries, these bright red sands shift continuously, sculpted by strong southwest winds. Scientists use advanced dating techniques to track this movement, making Theri Kaadu a natural laboratory for studying climate change, desertification, and Earth’s environmental history.
Life in a harsh red wonderland Despite its Mars-like terrain, life persists. The desert shelters fan-throated lizards, owlets, kestrels, velvet poochi insects, and hardy shrubs. Palm and cashew trees dot the landscape, though farming remains difficult due to fast infiltration rates in the sandy soil.
A red gem worth preserving Theri Kaadu isn’t just a tourist surprise, it’s a window into Earth’s past and a reminder of how landscapes evolve. As India’s only red-sand desert, it stands as a geological marvel demanding conservation, curiosity, and awe.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated the implementation of a UPI–TIPS integration to streamline cross-border remittances between India and the eurozone. The move follows discussions with the European Central Bank (ECB) and will be executed in partnership with NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India.
TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) is Europe’s instant payment system, operated by the Eurosystem, which includes the ECB and eurozone central banks. Once operational, the UPI–TIPS link is expected to reduce transfer costs and settlement delays, benefiting millions of users who send or receive money between India and Europe.
The integration is also likely to expand merchant acceptance for Indian travellers in Europe, leveraging QR-based payments similar to initiatives already rolled out in Singapore. “RBI and NIPL will collaborate closely with ECB to operationalize the UPI–TIPS link, including technical integration, risk management, and settlement arrangements,” the RBI said in a statement.
This initiative forms part of RBI’s broader strategy to interlink UPI with fast payment systems globally, promoting seamless, efficient, and cost-effective cross-border payments. These efforts align with the G20 Roadmap for enhancing cross-border remittances through transparency, accessibility, and efficiency.
NIPL has previously partnered with Singapore-based HitPay to expand UPI acceptance in the island nation, enabling QR-based transactions at retail stores, restaurants, and tourist spots. India is now replicating this model across multiple corridors, including Asia and the Middle East, to extend its fast-payment infrastructure internationally.
Industry experts say the UPI–TIPS initiative signals India’s emergence as a global benchmark for real-time payments. “Real-time, low-friction transfers between India and Europe can uplift exporters, creators, and the digital SME economy,” said Akash Sinha, CEO and Co-founder of Cashfree Payments. “For fintechs, it marks a new era where Indian payment infrastructure is globally interconnected, enabling businesses to engage with international markets effortlessly.”
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1666–1708), the ninth Sikh Guru, was a poet, thinker, and warrior who carried forward the divine legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the Sikh Gurus who followed. His spiritual compositions reflect profound insights on the nature of God, human attachments, the mind and body, sorrow, dignity, service, death, and liberation. These teachings are preserved in 116 poetic hymns enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
In May 1675, Hindu Pandits from Kashmir sought Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s support against the forced conversions being imposed by the Mughal authorities. Standing firmly for the freedom of faith, the Guru advised them to tell Emperor Aurangzeb that if he could convert the Guru himself, the Pandits would accept conversion as well.
Enraged by this defiance, Aurangzeb ordered the arrest and torture of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, attempting to compel him to accept Islam. The Guru unwaveringly refused, choosing martyrdom over surrender. He was publicly executed by beheading in Delhi, becoming a timeless symbol of sacrifice for religious freedom and the protector of Hindu dharma.
Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk marks the site of his martyrdom, while Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib stands where his remains were cremated. Alongside Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, three devoted Sikhs—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dyal Das—also embraced martyrdom.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s legacy endures as a beacon of courage, compassion, and steadfast faith, inspiring generations to uphold righteousness even in the face of tyranny.
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings continue to inspire resilience, compassion and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Here Comes his quotes…
On Courage and Sacrifice
“Give up your head but forsake not those whom you have undertaken to protect. Sacrifice your life but relinquish not your faith.”
On Detachment and Devotion
“Worship, O worship God, thy life is fast passing. What shall I tell thee again and again? Thou understand not, thou ignorant man: Thy body shall melt like a hailstone before long.
Give up all doubts and meditate on the Name of God. In the end this alone will accompany thee.
Give up like poison the sensual pleasures and enshrine the praise of Hari in thy heart. Nanak, the servant of God, reminds thee – Thy opportunity is slipping.”
O mother, I have been blessed with the wealth of God’s Name.
My Mind is free from wandering and is established in peace.
Avarice and worldly love dare not touch me and pure divine knowledge fills me.
Greed and desire cannot affect me. I am totally immersed in Lord’s devotion.
On Endurance and Enlightenment
“For whom praise, and dispraise are the same, and on whom greed and attachment have no effect. Consider him only enlightened whom pain and pleasure do not entrap. Consider such a person saved.”
One who vanquishes his ego and beholds the Lord as the Sole Doer of all things,
that person has attained ‘Jivan Mukti’ (is liberated while living), know this as the real truth, says Nanak.
“Thy life is passing in vain Day and night thou dost listen to religious books yet thou dost not understand the truth, ignorant man.
Death is approaching and thou hast nowhere to flee from it. Thy, body, which thou regards as permanent shall return to dust; why dost thou not remember God, O thou who are without shame and ignorant?
Nanak, the servant of God tells thee to give up pride in thy heart and devote thyself to God and thus live thy life in this world.”
On the Nature of the World
“True realization of the actual nature of this material world, its perishable, transitory and illusory aspects best dawns on a person in suffering.”
He (the Creator) has given you your body and wealth, but you are not in love with Him.
Says Nanak, you are insane! Why do you now shake and tremble so helplessly?
“O Man, hold firmly to this truth in thy mind;
The whole world is like a dream and like a dream will soon be no more.
A man may elaborately build a wall of sand, but it will not last even for a short while.
Similarly, transient are pleasures of Maya (illusions) why art thou entangled in them, O ignorant man.”
On Inner Peace
“O mother, I have been blessed with the wealth of God’s Name. My Mind is free from wandering and is established in peace.”
“Now that I have obtained the jewel of the Name, All desire has been removed from my mind: It is now absorbed in bliss.
He alone sings the praises of Hari, on whom the ocean of Grace showers His compassion.
Said Nanak, such wealth is found rarely by some through the Guru’s Word.”
“Mother, I have obtained the wealth of the God’s Name.
My mind is rid of running hither and thither – It has found its rest. Illusion and desire of possession have departed from my body – the pure knowledge of God has dawned.
Greed and delusion do not touch me now. I have grasped firmly devotion to God. The doubt about birth and death is no more.”
On Meditation and Liberation
“By singing His praises thy impurity will be removed and the poison of egoism spread all over will be destroyed.”
One who vanquishes his ego and beholds the Lord as the Sole Doer of all things,
that person has attained ‘Jivan Mukti’ (is liberated while living), know this as the real truth, says Nanak.
On Equality and Humility
“Why go to search forests (to find Him). He who dwells in all hearts but remains ever pure, pervades thy heart also.
Just as fragrance fills the rose and reflection the mirror, the Lord pervades all without a break; search Him inside thee.
The Guru hath revealed this knowledge that the Aum pervades inside and outside. Said Nanak, without knowing thyself the scum of doubt will not be removed.”
“O saints, renounce the Ego, and always flee from lust, wrath and evil company. One should consider pain and pleasure, honor and dishonor the same.
One should renounce both praise and blame and even the search for salvation.
This is a very difficult path and rare is a (Gurmukh) pious person who knows how to tread it.”
On Enduring Pain and Pleasure
“That man, who in the midst of pain, does not feel pain,
who is not affected by pleasure, affection or fear, and who looks alike upon gold and dust.”
||1||Pause||
Who is not swayed by either slander or praise, nor affected by greed, attachment or pride;
who remains unaffected by joy and sorrow, honor and dishonor.||1||
Who renounces all hopes and desires and remains desireless in the world;
who is not touched by sexual desire or anger – within his heart, God dwells. ||2||
That man, blessed by Guru’s Grace, understands this way.
O Nanak, he merges with the Lord of the Universe, like water with water. ||3||11||
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur: Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom on 24 November 1675 stands as a defining moment in India’s battle for religious freedom. At a time when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb intensified pressure to convert, the ninth Sikh Guru emerged as the protector of the oppressed. His belief that “Fear not, and frighten not others” became the guiding principle behind his decision to intervene. His stand went beyond religion, it was about defending the universal right to faith.
The unexpected moment that pulled him into history Known for his calm wisdom, detachment, and courage, Guru Tegh Bahadur embodied Sikh ideals of justice. When Kashmiri Pandits approached him seeking protection, he saw their plea not as a religious question, but a human one. Accepting their cause meant challenging tyranny at its core, a step only a leader with deep spiritual conviction could take.
A journey from courage to captivity Standing up to the empire meant surrendering to captivity. Guru Tegh Bahadur and his companions: Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dyal Das were arrested and brutally tortured. Even as they witnessed unimaginable violence, their resolve remained unshaken. The Guru reminded followers that “True realisation of God comes to the person who surrenders himself completely.” Their steadfastness transformed their suffering into a message of fearless resistance.
Where a guru’s death turned into a national turning point On 24 November, at Chandni Chowk, Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed for refusing to convert or bow to imperial authority. His final act embodied his belief that “One who is not affected by pleasures or pain, greed or attachment… such a person is called a true sage.” Today, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib marks the site of his martyrdom, a reminder of the moment when moral courage triumphed over oppression.
How one sacrifice redefined freedom in India Guru Tegh Bahadur is honoured as Hind-di-Chadar, the Shield of India because he gave his life to protect another community’s right to worship freely. His martyrdom reshaped India’s spiritual and cultural history, showing that defending justice for others is the highest form of bravery. His legacy continues to inspire generations to stand for truth with the same fearless clarity he preached.
Somewhere between strobe lights and DJ nights, India’s Gen Z has conjured a new kind of party: Bhajan Clubbing. Imagine a nightclub, dim lights, pulsating energy—but swap techno drops for “Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari,” and the vibe is pure magic. The contradiction is the thrill.
1. A High Without the Hangover Every weekend, groups of 80–100 young people gather to chant, dance, and enter a collective flow state—no alcohol, no chaos, just rhythm and spiritual dopamine. “It wasn’t religious, just a happy high,” says Abhinav, an IT trainee who attended a bhajan jam recently. It’s a peak experience without the morning-after guilt.
2. Postmodern Pilgrimage: Why Gen Z Is Hooked Experts call this a rebellion wrapped in devotion. Screen-fatigued and stressed, Gen Z craves grounding through immersive, social experiences. “Spirituality today is tied to experience, not ritual,” says JNU’s Dr. Sakshi Sharma. Bhajan Clubbing acts as a reset button: safe, social, and deeply centering.
3. Quitting Finance for Bhajans: The Rise of Full-Time Devotional Performers Some have turned this trend into careers. Sibling duo Prachi and Raghav Agarwal, aka Backstage Siblings, went viral with their bhajan reels. From a tiny 50-person crowd at their first event, they recently sold out a 1,700-seat devotional show. Both quit full-time finance jobs to perform bhajan jams across India—and even Dubai. “Gen Z loves it, so we took the leap,” says Raghav. Their story symbolizes the bhajan-clubbing boom.
4. Clubs Go Sober Venues now swap cocktails for chai and vegetarian food—and business is still booming. Parents nod in approval, and Gen Z feels understood. The old nightclub model is being rewritten, one bhajan at a time.
5. Science Says Bhajans Heal Research shows group chanting boosts oxytocin (bonding), lowers cortisol (stress), and triggers theta waves (calm). Neuroscience meets nostalgia, creating a tangible “feel-good” effect.
Viral reels of jam-packed bhajan nights have turned devotional music into the new concert culture. With thousands attending, one thing is clear: Bhajan Clubbing isn’t a fad—it’s Gen Z remixing spirituality into a feel-good movement
