The new generation of Bhajan singers, whose lyrics and music Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on X, are being lauded by Gen Z, who have been swept up in the Ram Mandir excitement in the country.

There was a period when Anup Jalota was associated with Bhajans. Jalota was a phenomenon, whether it was with his legendary ‘Aisi Lagi Lagan‘ or ‘Sri Krishna Govind Hare Murari‘. The 70-year-old, known as ‘Bhajan Samrat,’ was awarded the Padma Shree for his contributions to this type of music. However, it did not have the same impact on the younger generation as it did on those in their 50s and older. Neither did many young people express an interest in this type of music. But not any longer.

With the opening of the Ram Mandir in a few weeks, many teenagers are said to be preparing to visit Ayodhya, much like their grandparents, as a generation next or Gen Z of Bhajans has developed, who are devotionally chanting Lord Ram melodies. While they have remained faithful to the music tradition, some have attempted to make it more acceptable to the Instagram generation by emulating Coke Studio performances. What else? It piqued the interest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to inaugurate the magnificent Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22. He has been using the hashtag ‘Shri Ram Bhajan’ to share the work of artists with his millions of followers on social media.

SWATI MISHRA ‘RAM AAYENGE’ FAME
Swati Mishra from Bihar, who has been enamoured with Bhajans from a young age, was one among the first Gen Z singers PM Modi shared. PM Modi complimented her song ‘Ram Aayenge’ (Lord Ram shall arrive) as’mesmerising’ on X (previously Twitter).

स्वस्ति जी का ये भजन एक बार सुन लें तो लंबे समय तक कानों में गूंजता रहता है। आंखों को आंसुओं से, मन को भावों से भर देता है। #ShriRamBhajan https://t.co/0nD3XmAbzk

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 6, 2024

Her song, which was released on YouTube three months ago, has received over four and a half crore views. Following the Prime Minister’s appreciation, there has been a torrent of interactions, with over 25,000 comments on that song. The song is not your standard Bhajan, but it has a modern feel that appeals to millennials and Gen Z. The quiet voice and mellow tempo of ‘Ram Aayenge to Angna Sajaungi’ are popularly utilised on Instagram for reels — Gen Z’s communication technique.

Mishra tells NewzQuest that she is still adjusting to the attention she is receiving. “I sang a Ram song because I wanted to, without any vested interest.” But now everyone is talking about it. I’ve known youngsters as young as six months old who won’t sleep unless they hear this Bhajan. “I believe it was a blessing from Lord Ram,” she remarked, adding that PM Modi sharing her song is “out of this world.”

BHAJAN IN ‘COKE STUDIO’ STYLE BY HANSRAJ RAGHUWANSHI

On first glance, it’s difficult to believe Hansraj Raghuwanshi is singing Bhajans. Funky outfits, braided hair like American music icon of the 1960s Jimi Hendrix, and a visual appeal of his performance in a setup resembling a Coke Studio performance. His Bhajans, on the other hand, make the youths groove while gently nodding their heads in time.

अयोध्या में प्रभु श्री राम के स्वागत को लेकर पूरा देश राममय है। राम लला की भक्ति में डूबे भक्तजन इस शुभ दिन के लिए तरह-तरह से अपनी भावनाएं प्रकट कर रहे हैं। भगवान श्री राम को समर्पित हंसराज रघुवंशी जी का ये भजन सुनिए… #ShriRamBhajan https://t.co/kDSO8SNzxW

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024

Since the Prime Minister released it, his ‘Jai Shri Ram‘ has gone viral. “The entire country is happy to welcome Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya,” PM stated to X. On this auspicious day, devotees engaged in devotion to Ram Lalla are expressing their thoughts in a variety of ways. Listen to Hansraj Raghuvanshi ji’s bhajan dedicated to Lord Shri Ram…”

The song in which he greets Lord Ram as ‘Mere Pyare Ram‘ (My darling Ram) has a considerably more casual tone, deviating from a strictly devout hymn. It has received around 600,000 likes and has been watched over 1.46 crore times on YouTube.

“I can’t express how grateful I am to PM for sharing my Bhajan. I’d also like to thank my fans for making this Bhajan so popular. But, in the end, it is Prabhu Ram’s benediction,” Raghuwanshi told NewzQuest while wearing a set of amazing earrings.

RAM BHAJAN BY JUBIN NAUTIYAL HAS 3.4 MILLION VIEWS

Jubin Nautiyal, a playback singer in his own right, is incredibly melodic. Nautiyal is well-known for his Bhajan performances, which include ‘Tujhe Kitna Chahein Aur Hum’ from ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Kinna Sona’ from ‘Marjaavan’.

A year-old Bhajan titled ‘Mere Ghar Ram Aaye Hain‘ suddenly piqued PM Modi’s interest. He published it on social media, pushing others to pay attention. “On the auspicious occasion of Lord Ram’s consecration, the entire country, including Ayodhya, is celebrating Ram.” This heart-warming welcome Bhajan by Jubin Nautiyal ji, Payal Dev ji, and Manoj Muntashir ji, overflowing with love to Ram Lala…”, PM uploaded on X.

भगवान श्री राम की प्राण-प्रतिष्ठा के सुअवसर पर अयोध्या के साथ-साथ पूरा देश राममय हो रहा है। राम लला की भक्ति से ओतप्रोत जुबिन नौटियाल जी, पायल देव जी और मनोज मुंतशिर जी का यह स्वागत भजन दिल को छू लेने वाला है…#ShriRamBhajan https://t.co/qg3vIDyeMa

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 5, 2024

Payal Dev composed the music and Manoj Muntashir wrote the words for the Bhajan, which was released by T Series. The song has received 3.4 million views so far. It is the most recent Bhajan that the Prime Minister has provided. It is likely to receive a lot of traffic in the coming days, similar to Mishra and Raghuwanshi’s Bhajans.
The song conveys the passion of a devotee’s lengthy wait (‘lambi intezaar’) for Lord Ram and his eagerness to see the moment when he finally returns home (‘Mere Ghar Ram Aaye Hain‘).

As India prepares for the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, a new breed of Bhajan singers employing unconventional vocals and instruments has captured the interest of a generation.

NewzQuest Whishes’ a Happy “RAM UTASAV” TO ALL !!