Puri, Sept 9: Every Saturday afternoon, the peaceful surroundings of Narendra Sarovar in Puri transform into a vibrant space of devotion as the familiar sounds of Jagannath bhajans fill the air.
From Megha Malaku Ninde Kalaku and Thaka Mana Chala Jiba to Emiti E Badadande Hata Pati Rahithibi and Mun Ta Badadeulara Para Re, devotional songs echo across the sacred tank as hundreds of people come together to sing.
At the centre of this weekly gathering is a group of young professionals who are making a conscious effort to stay connected with Odisha’s Jagannath culture despite their busy personal and professional lives.
Dressed in traditional attire, participants perform bhajans accompanied by the harmonium, tabla, dhol, guitar and cymbals. The musical gathering attracts people of different age groups and creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere around Narendra Sarovar.
From 15 People to Over 200
The initiative, called ‘Niladri Baithak’, began around three months ago as a small gathering of just 10 to 15 people. The first session was held on May 16.
Since then, the weekly congregation has grown rapidly, with more than 200 participants now gathering at Narendra Chaka every Saturday from 4 pm to 7 pm.
The group comprises college teachers, engineers, lawyers, corporate employees and professionals from different fields. Several established singers and instrumentalists also join the sessions from time to time.
The initiative began after a few young residents of Puri created a social media group to bring people together through devotional music. The idea gradually gained momentum, with more music lovers and devotees joining the gathering.
Bringing Generation Z Closer to Jagannath Culture
Although young people form the core of Niladri Baithak, participation is open to everyone. People from different age groups now voluntarily join the three-hour musical session.
Organisers said the programme is deliberately held once a week so that students and working professionals can participate without disrupting their regular schedules.
The popularity of the initiative has also spread beyond Puri, with people from outside the city reportedly contacting the organisers about joining future gatherings.
For the participants, Niladri Baithak is much more than a musical programme. It is an attempt to connect Generation Z with Jagannath culture, Odisha’s devotional traditions and its rich musical heritage.
The group performs compositions from Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda, popular bhajans associated with legendary Odia singer Bhikari Bal, and other devotional compositions connected with Lord Jagannath.
As dusk descends over Narendra Sarovar every Saturday, the sounds of instruments blend with hundreds of voices, turning the sacred surroundings into a celebration of devotion.
For those who attend Niladri Baithak, the three-hour gathering offers a break from the rush of everyday life and an opportunity to reconnect with music, tradition and Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
