Bhajan gets its name from the word “bhaj”, meaning - to serve. Bhajans are devotional songs sung by Hindus asserting their love for God, praising God`s glories or the preaching of holy men. Bhajans have their origins in the Vedas.It is a way of suggesting the total surrender of an individual to God.
Most of the times, Bhajans are sung in groups where a lead singer sings the first stanza and the rest follow.
The songs are worded in a simple but very heart warming manner so that they are easily repeated by the devotees. Bhajans are often set to Shanta Rasa or a peaceful, calm tone of music.
Earlier, they were sung in temples, homes, public places and now they are also on the radio, television and concert halls. Bhajans gained popularity in India due to the Bhakti Movement in India during the medieval period. During this period emerged great bhajan singers and saints like Meerabai, Tulsidas, Kabir, Surdas etc.
Over the years various types of Bhajans singing emerged like Madhura-bhakti, Nirguni, Ashtachhap etc. Each one had their own way of singing and composed their own Bhajans.
Musical instruments that are used at Bhajans are dholak (drums), flute, veena, and other Indian musical instruments.
Bhajans grew in popularity apart from the religious point of view, they are great stress busters and people find them quite relaxing. Besides this they also play a great role in creating social equality with people putting aside their caste, creed etc. and coming together for a spiritual experience.