Every Mumbaikar knows the chaos of local trains, the rush to grab a seat, the constant push and pull, the noise of announcements, and the exhaustion after a long day. Yet, amidst this madness, something magical happens. A voice begins a devotional hymn, ‘Vitthala Vitthala.’ Slowly, others join in. Cymbals start clinking, a small dholki beats in rhythm, and suddenly the cramped compartment transforms into a spiritual gathering.
This is the world of Mumbai’s local train bhajans, a moving temple that offers relief to tired commuters and reflects the soul of the city.
If I talk about myself, travelling by local train has become an inseparable part of my daily routine. Almost every day, as the trains rush past, I notice compartments alive with the sounds of bhajans. And sometimes, when I find myself sitting in one of those compartments, I naturally become a part of that devotional energy.
The moment the chants begin, something shifts deep inside me. God’s name flows effortlessly from my lips, and a serene wave of calmness envelops me. By the time my station arrives, I step out feeling lighter, smiling from within, and ready to face whatever the day brings. Meanwhile, the bhajan singers continue their journey, spreading devotion and positivity to everyone around.
A tradition born on the tracks
The origins of bhajans in Mumbai locals are not written in any official record, but long-time commuters say the tradition began in the 1970s and 80s. Back then, locals were already packed with office-goers travelling daily between suburbs and South Mumbai. A group of devotees began singing bhajans to pass time and keep their faith alive during long journeys.
Soon, this became a practice. Specific trains at fixed times saw groups gathering for daily sessions. The Central line became particularly famous, with bhajans and artis dedicated to Lord Vitthal, Ganpati, Shiva and Hanuman. Over the years, the tradition spread to the Western and Harbour lines too.
What started as a small group of devotees became a cultural phenomenon and an integral part of Mumbai’s commuting life.
Who are the singers?
Unlike professional performers, these singers are ordinary passengers. They are office clerks, teachers, shopkeepers, students, and small businessmen who carry their instruments along with their tiffin boxes. Some groups are so committed that they have set compartments where everyone knows which bogie hosts bhajans in which train.
- Organisation: Many groups have schedules. For example, one man may lead today’s session, another tomorrow.
- Longevity: Some groups have been singing together for over two decades.
- Instruments: They use simple tools like dholki, manjira (cymbals), or even just clapping.
- Discipline: The songs usually start once the train leaves the station and end before arrival, showing respect for other commuters.
For these singers, bhajans are not just devotional practice. They are a second family, a circle of friends who meet every day on the train, even if they don’t live in the same neighbourhood.
More than devotion
Mumbai is often called the city that never sleeps, but it is also the city that never stops running. People travel for hours daily, stuck between work deadlines and household responsibilities. Stress, fatigue, and loneliness weigh heavily on commuters.
This is where the bhajans play a vital role:
- Emotional Healing: The rhythmic chanting creates calmness, helping passengers forget their stress.
- Community Bond: Singing together creates friendships among strangers. For some, this is their only social interaction of the day.
- Spiritual Energy: Even for those who don’t sing, just listening brings positivity and hope.
In psychological terms, music reduces stress hormones and boosts mood. But for Mumbai’s commuters, bhajans are more than science; they are a daily lifeline of peace.
Public Reactions: Love, Respect, and Sometimes Irritation
Most passengers welcome the bhajans with joy. Many record them on their phones, clap along, or quietly enjoy the atmosphere. For some, it becomes the highlight of their day.
But there are also critics. A few passengers complain about:
- Noise: Not everyone wants music during their journey. Some prefer silence.
- Space Issues: In overcrowded compartments, instruments and clapping can feel intrusive.
- Railway Rules: At times, authorities have stopped bhajan groups, citing safety concerns.
Despite this, the bhajan groups continue. The love and respect they receive from the majority outweigh the criticism. Even railway officials often turn a blind eye, understanding that these gatherings are harmless and uplifting.
Cultural significance
The local train bhajans are a mirror of Mumbai’s character—fast, crowded, yet full of humanity. They show how faith adapts to the urban lifestyle. Instead of a temple or a prayer hall, bhajans happen in a rattling train compartment.
This tradition also highlights Mumbai’s diversity and inclusiveness:
- Hindus sing Vitthal and Ganpati bhajans.
- Gujarati commuters add their own folk devotional songs.
- Sometimes, people of other faiths quietly enjoy the music without feeling excluded.
In a city where people often complain about isolation despite being surrounded by millions, the bhajans create a rare moment of unity.
Why the tradition continues
In today’s world, where most passengers wear earphones and scroll on phones, it may seem surprising that bhajans still thrive. But that is their strength: they offer something digital screens cannot: a real human connection.
- Regular commuters look forward to these sessions.
- New passengers often get curious and end up joining.
- The energy of live singing cannot be replaced by recorded music.
As long as Mumbai locals remain the city’s lifeline, bhajans will continue to echo within them, reminding people that faith can travel with you.
The bhajans of Mumbai local trains are not just devotional songs. They are the heartbeat of the city, blending spirituality with the struggles of everyday life. They turn mundane journeys into soulful experiences and strangers into companions.
So the next time you find yourself on a crowded local, and someone begins chanting ‘Vitthala Vitthala’, don’t be surprised if your stress melts away and you clap along. Because this is Mumbai, a city that knows how to find peace even in motion.
