From prayer to livestreams: The changing face of Raam Bhajan in South Africa

In South Africa, Raam Bhajan has evolved from devotional singing into multifaceted gatherings that blend worship, choreography, socializing and cultural expression. Rooted in Hindu bhakti and the Ramayana, these adaptive practices reflect diaspora histories, growing youth participation, and widespread social-media livestreams that connect communities across cities and countries while preserving ritual, food traditions and communal matchmaking.