Bhajan

Bhajan is a devotional song or hymn in Indian religious traditions, especially Hinduism, though it also appears in Jain and Sikh communities. The term derives from Sanskrit bhajana, meaning "worship" or "devotional singing."

Bhajans are typically sung to praise a deity or guru and can be performed solo or by groups. They frequently use simple melodies and repetitive refrains, with call-and-response structures in many congregational settings. Accompaniments may include harmonium, tabla, dholak, mridanga, and cymbals.

Historically, bhajan arose from the bhakti movement in medieval India, with poets and saints such as Kabir, Mirabai, Tulsidas, and Surdas contributing lyrics in various languages. Over time it diversified into regional styles across Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and other languages, alongside classical and folk idioms.

In contemporary practice, bhajans are performed in temples, ashrams, homes, and satsangs, as well as on recordings and in diaspora communities. They intersect with related forms such as kirtan, which emphasizes call-and-response chanting, though bhajan can be more lyric-centered.