In the living rooms of Uttar Pradesh, the familiar rhythm of kitty parties is undergoing a quiet transformation. The clink of teacups and spirited gossip sessions are being replaced with the resonant chants of the Sundarkand, devotional hymns, and the aroma of prasad. Welcome to the world of the “Kitty Sundarkand” — a growing trend in UP where spirituality meets sisterhood.
From Social Gatherings to Spiritual Retreats
Traditionally, kitty parties have been informal social gatherings where women contribute a fixed sum every month, with one member taking home the pooled amount in rotation. For decades, they have been synonymous with games, food, fashion, and conversation. But many women in Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Noida are now infusing these gatherings with a spiritual dimension, turning monthly meetups into soulful retreats.
At these sessions, women gather not just to socialize, but to collectively recite the Sundarkand — a revered chapter from the Ramcharitmanas dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The chanting is followed by bhajans, conversations, and the sharing of prasad, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and uplifting.
Voices from the Movement
“It’s not just about saving money anymore; it’s about finding peace and positivity together,” says Lucknow’s Richa Mittal, who regularly hosts and attends these gatherings. “Life has become so hectic that these sessions give us a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect.”
For many participants, the appeal lies in the balance. The traditional kitty format remains intact — monthly contributions, rotating payouts, and social bonding continue as before. But alongside financial support, women say they are now finding emotional comfort and spiritual fulfillment.
Nilima Pandey, another regular participant in Lucknow, describes the experience as “a mini spiritual retreat within our own neighbourhood.” She explains that unlike formal religious events, these gatherings feel personal and warm. “You pray together, sing together, eat together, and talk about life. It creates a deeper sense of connection,” she says.
From Casual Idea to Widespread Trend
Interestingly, the idea was born out of an ordinary conversation among friends. A group of women, looking to make their kitty parties “more meaningful,” casually suggested replacing card games with collective recitation sessions. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a movement.
“It clicked instantly,” recalls Garima Singh, a participant. “We realized we didn’t have to choose between spirituality and socializing. We could have both.”
As word spread, more women joined in, and the concept evolved. Some groups in Prayagraj now host elaborate themed gatherings with coordinated décor, devotional music, and community meals. A few in Varanasi even organize the events at unique venues such as banquet spaces, blending devotion with celebration.
Building Community in a Fast-Paced World
Beyond the rituals, participants in Noida say these sessions are helping foster a stronger sense of community. “In an age marked by stress, isolation, and fast-paced lifestyles, the gatherings offer women a space to slow down and support one another emotionally and spiritually,” says Puja Srivastava.
“What makes the ‘Kitty Sundarkand’ phenomenon particularly striking is how naturally it merges tradition with modern social culture. It preserves the essence of the classic kitty party — friendship, mutual support, and shared responsibility — while adding a layer of spiritual reflection,” she adds.
For these women, the monthly kitty is no longer just about financial pooling or social networking. It is becoming a space for collective healing, devotion, and joy — proof that even the most familiar traditions can find new meaning with time.
A Movement: Kanth Kranti in Kashi
An unusual movement against traditional kitty parties has begun in Kashi, where women typically gather to socialize and share their joys and sorrows. They have launched what they call a “Kanth Kranti” (voice revolution) using recitations of the Sundarkand from Goswami Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas as an alternative to conventional kitty parties.
The campaign, which started in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency of Kashi, aims to spread across the country. As part of the campaign launched by an organisation against conventional kitty parties, a Sundarkand recitation is organized in different areas.
Key Features of the Kitty Sundarkand
- Devotional format: The gathering usually begins with a collective recitation of the Sundarkand, followed by the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa and soulful bhajans.
- Spiritual ambience: The decor reflects a traditional devotional setting, with marigold garlands, diyas, incense, and images or idols of Lord Hanuman creating a serene atmosphere.
- Simple sattvik food: Guests are served light vegetarian refreshments, with the event typically concluding with the distribution of prasad.
- Community and positivity: Beyond social interaction, the aim is to promote spiritual calm, dispel negativity, and strengthen bonds among women in the community.
- Traditional-themed invitations: Hosts often send digital or printed invitations designed around devotional motifs, including floral Hanuman artwork and traditional Indian aesthetics.
How It Started
What makes the trend even more fascinating is its remarkably simple beginning. The idea did not emerge from a formal religious organization or a planned social campaign, but from a casual conversation among a group of friends during one of their regular kitty gatherings. Like many others, they had grown accustomed to the familiar routine of games, gossip, food, and financial pooling, yet many felt something was missing — a sense of deeper purpose and emotional fulfillment.
As discussions unfolded, someone half-jokingly suggested replacing card games and entertainment activities with a collective recitation of the Sundarkand. The suggestion was met with enthusiasm, and soon the first gathering was organized. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the concept spread rapidly through word of mouth and social media. Today, what began as a small experiment has blossomed into a widespread movement, with women across Uttar Pradesh embracing the blend of tradition, spirituality, and community.
