Youth of MRR Immersed in Devotional Singing and Kirtan
There was a time when the older generation would chant ‘Om Jai Jagdish Hare’ early in the Brahma Muhurta, and the youth would dismiss it, crowding inside their rooms with disdain. Instead of waking up to the sounds of bells and conch shells or devotional melodies, they would blast cassettes playing songs like ‘Ho Ja Rangila Re,’ shaking their bodies as they began their day. During morning rituals, they neither circled the plate for Aarti nor participated in worship or took Tika and Prasad. Consequently, the traditional family routine centered around devotion and chanting underwent a significant transformation. The longstanding tradition of morning prayers and evening satsangs had been disrupted. The generation now—a mix of millennials and Gen Z—suddenly shifted 180 degrees. They gathered khajadi, lifted dholaks, and beat cymbals, immersing themselves enthusiastically in devotional songs and kirtan. Having embraced modernity, technology, and science, this generation’s newfound devotion to singing bhajans is a delightful mystery, one that unravels only by stepping inside MRR.
MRR stands for Mens Room Reloaded. Around 15 years ago, a young individual created a Facebook page named MRR out of personal passion. It became a private group for youth, a virtual space where they could casually chat. It welcomed youths over 18 from Vaishali who had matured and were ready to share. Here, they could express themselves freely, openly discussing anything—from lighthearted talks to everyday problems and jokes. What started as a casual chat page soon became a distinct social power. It attracted young people worldwide who shared similar backgrounds, bringing them under its influence and flow. This group amplified the youth voice on social media, at times issuing warnings, at other moments sharing information. Instead of frivolously spending their ‘golden age,’ its members gradually sought ways to contribute socially.
Over time, this group engaged in collective activities—tree planting, clean-ups, rescue operations, and volunteer service. Beyond physical contributions, they partook in spiritual awakening. The initiation of group devotional singing was a natural progression. Young people immersed in social media like TikTok, Reels, and Instagram were brought together into devotional music circles. Consequently, groups of youths are now gathering in various places, singing bhajans with full devotion. The very generation that once rejected religious traditions is now spontaneously assembling in neighborhoods, reviving the singing of bhajans, with society taking notice.
At sunset, as the mellow sun’s reddish glow fades from the earth, within a serene temple courtyard, young men dressed in jeans and T-shirts sit facing each other, wrapped in shawls. Wearing Dhaka topis, Rudraksha malas, and Ram name pendants, they begin singing in unison to the rhythms of khajadi, dholak, and cymbals: ‘Leela hun lagyo… ha. Ram timro mandirma.’ Some slowly sway in a semi-circular dance like Ghatun dancers, synchronizing their bodies to the beat, while others weave their voices melodiously into the bhajan. The atmosphere becomes intoxicating, reminiscent of the hippie era’s youthful devotees singing ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’ to guitar tunes. The evening devotional melody and chorus gradually intensify, and the group grows. Before long, this wave becomes a massive current flowing like the Khare Khola River, spilling beyond Kathmandu’s temples into Chitwan, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Hetauda, and Pokhara. Its resonance expands internationally—to Dubai, Qatar, Malaysia, Japan, and Finland. Carrying banners titled ‘MRR Bhajan Mandali,’ the youths proudly announce on social media, ‘MRR Bhajan now also at *name of place*.’ This youth group rooted in devotion, music, and worship has become a movement, regularly organizing bhajan and kirtan events across various dates and locations.
About a year ago, MRR group members often met in Bhrikuti Mandap to chat, share tea, and play futsal. During conversations, someone suggested, ‘Why not do bhajan kirtan?’ That was the turning point. Santosh Kumar Thapa, MRR’s founder, recalls, ‘After that, we held an evening bhajan session in Kathmandu.’ The initial gathering was small. While wandering the intoxicating city evenings, they started singing ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’ in a temple courtyard. Gradually, more youths joined these sessions. ‘We initially held bhajan kirtan in limited venues,’ Santosh says, ‘but then friends from MRR chapters in Butwal, Pokhara, Hetauda, and beyond began conducting them. Now it’s not just Nepal; the tradition has spread overseas as well.’ The enthusiasm has grown so much that weekly bhajan sessions have become major events. Wherever the youths gather to sing bhajans, the local community also gathers, drawn by the pure spiritual vibe. Participants joyously sing and dance with devotion. ‘Some monasteries and temples have begun inviting us,’ Santosh shares, ‘and notably, we received an invitation from Pashupatinath to sing bhajans on New Year’s Eve.’ As the youths unite, creating a lively and cheerful environment, others have asked, ‘How much does it cost? We should also organize bhajans in our area.’ Santosh clarifies, ‘We don’t accept any money for our bhajan sessions. It’s completely free and spontaneous; there’s no rehearsal.’ Announcements like ‘Bhajan at such-and-such place on such-and-such date’ are published on Facebook, and the youths promptly assemble at the designated times, immersing themselves in devotional ecstasy. They participate in bhajans regularly—not only on special occasions or leisure time but making time consistently. Weekly bhajans are ongoing in Kathmandu and other areas. The carefree, party-loving youth wave has melded into a serene, devotional atmosphere, melting in devotion and awakening spiritual consciousness through evening bhajan kirtans. Santosh concludes, ‘This is a wave of awakening; it’s a gift passed down from our ancestors. We hope it inspires spiritual purification among the youth groups.’