On a recent evening in Mumbai, a roomful of people sat cross-legged on white gaddas in a crumbling cotton mill that once smelled of industrial damp but now had hints of mogra and attar wafting through. Chandelier floor lamps stood where massive iron spindles once did, and carpets hung where powerlooms rattled.
The Resurgence of Mehfils
There were no strobes, barricades or crowds craning for a glimpse of someone very small and famous on a very large LED screen. Instead, about 150 people sat close enough to watch director Vishal Bhardwaj drift between cinema, music and verse, pausing in between to tell stories about feeling intimidated during his first recording with Lata Mangeshkar or attempting the jazz number ‘An Evening in Paris’ on harmonium and tabla.
This intimate setting is part of a growing trend across India: the revival of mehfils, traditional gatherings centered around music, poetry, and conversation. Unlike large-scale concerts or festivals, mehfils prioritize closeness and connection between the artist and the audience. The use of gaddas (floor cushions) and gajras (flower garlands) adds a nostalgic, cultural touch that resonates with attendees seeking authenticity.
Why Mehfils Are Having a Moment
Several factors contribute to the renewed interest in mehfils. First, there is a growing desire for meaningful, shared experiences in an increasingly digital world. Second, the intimate format allows for deeper engagement with art and artists. Third, the aesthetic of mehfils—with their traditional decor and sensory elements like attar and mogra—offers a respite from modern, sterile event spaces.
Organizers are repurposing unconventional venues like old mills, heritage homes, and gardens to host these gatherings. The trend has also spread to other cities, with similar events popping up in Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Attendees often include young professionals, artists, and culture enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of tradition and contemporary relevance.
As mehfils continue to gain popularity, they represent a broader cultural shift toward valuing intimacy, authenticity, and community in entertainment. Whether it is listening to a maestro discuss his craft or enjoying a soulful performance up close, these gatherings offer a unique experience that modern concerts cannot replicate.
