The peace and harmony that the mind experiences through soulful music is exceptional. This bhajan group has a remarkable repertoire of well-organised songs, presented thoughtfully on stage, evoking deep passion and divine emotion that easily resonates with common listeners…writes Shelja Pallath
In the era of social media, it is hardly surprising that people, especially the younger generation, are drawn towards pop, rap and other Western forms of artistic expression. What is truly interesting, however, is the growing fascination with bhajans, cutting across age barriers. Music, as we all know, is a form of therapy, but the music presented by this group connects people through the threads of pure art, transcending cultural and social disparities.
Nandagovindam Bhajans is familiar to audiences not only in Kerala, but also in other Indian states and abroad. The group was formed 25 years ago at Nattasseri in Kottayam as a bhajan team dedicated to rendering conventional devotional songs. Initially, they performed mainly during the Karkkidakam season, singing bhajans at small temples and houses in and around the region.
A turning point came when senior member Ilangoor Rajendrappanicker lost his eyesight due to health issues. To ensure that the bhajan programmes continued even beyond the season, the group decided to organise more performances, both to raise funds and, more importantly, to provide Panicker with a joyful space where he could spend his time meaningfully. Though Panicker passed away two years ago, the group continues to curate and share its soulful music with audiences across the world.
The peace and harmony that the mind experiences through soulful music is exceptional. This bhajan group has a remarkable repertoire of well-organised songs, presented thoughtfully on stage, evoking deep passion and divine emotion that easily resonates with common listeners. When art is articulated with sincerity, people naturally gather for the experience.
The growing crowd and fanbase of this group stand as proof of the soulfulness of their performances and the power of music. It is fascinating to see how devotional songs have transformed into crowd favourites. Their concerts blend film songs, Kathakali music and Sopana Sangeetham, and presenting these without losing their original essence is a challenging task that the group handles beautifully.
The musicians share years of experience and strong mutual bonding. Although some members are employed in places such as Dubai and Canada, they continue to nurture their musical journey by actively participating in the group’s major programmes. A uniform dress code and a vibrant musical atmosphere further captivate audiences. In 2004, the group officially adopted the name ‘Nandagovindam Bhajans’. In temples, their programmes are presented under the title ‘Sandrananda’, while performances on other stages are branded as ‘Bhajan Connect’. The lockdown period offered opportunities for experimentation, which significantly changed public perceptions of bhajans.
The singers of the group include R Hariraj, Naveen Mohan, Praveen Anand, Sreelal Venu, Manu Mohan, Abhijith Radhakrishnan, Harikrshnan Thiruvanchoor and Harikrishnan Mannar. Instruments are handled by Vishnu Thiruvanchoor, Akhil Kumaranalloor, Sidharth Shankar, Sreedarshan Thrissur, Rajesh Jayan, Vipin Krishna Vaikom and Appu Saravan.
A bhajan show like Nandagovindam draws a large audience because it resonates deeply with Kerala’s cultural and spiritual fabric, where music has long been a medium of collective devotion. Bhajans evoke shared memories through familiar melodies, poetic Malayalam lyrics, and references to saint-poets and traditional bhakti lineages, allowing people across generations to connect instantly. The emphasis on group singing and emotional participation turns the performance into a communal ritual rather than a stage-bound concert, reinforcing values of unity, devotion, and cultural continuity. By blending classical bhakti traditions with a contemporary, accessible presentation, such shows reaffirm the enduring relevance of devotional music in Kerala’s cultural life, making them powerful gatherings of faith, identity, and shared heritage.
