Sound healing, starry nights and no crowds: Bengaluru’s sober NY shift | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: As 2026 approaches, several youngsters in Bengaluru are swapping loud parties and crowded streets for quieter, more mindful celebrations. From midnight bhajan jamming sessions to sound healing under the stars, the New Year vibe is turning inward — spiritual, serene, and self-reflective.For many, the plans are no longer limited to the bustle of Brigade Road, Church Street, or the city’s pubs and restaurants. Instead, a growing number of young people are leaning toward slower, sober, and more meaningful ways to welcome the year. A quick scan on event-curation platforms reveals an interesting shift: candle-lit bhajan gatherings that go on till midnight, sound-healing sessions in nature, lantern lighting events, and digital detox camps on the city’s outskirts. For many, the idea of celebration now means connecting with nature — or with oneself — rather than with blaring music and traffic jams.

“My friend and I planned to leave around 2am and ride 100km towards a hill. Within the city, we experienced the party scene before, but now it feels like a hassle because of the crowd and traffic. I’d much rather spend quality time in nature away from the noise — it feels like a better way to ring in the New Year,” said Shrisha Kunjoor, 28, from RR Nagar.With similar distaste for crowds, many others are opting for house parties and private gatherings. “Year on year we see that one or the other untoward incident takes place during the celebrations. A group of us booked a homestay on the outskirts of the city and will have a safe party with board games and good food,” said Varshini M, an engineer from HSR Layout.Some prefer to begin the year with acts of kindness. Pallavi Prakash, a resident of Basavanagudi, is spending Jan 1, helping two visually challenged students write their exams as a scribe. “For me, true happiness lies in creating a path for myself and others and doing good. I choose to start New Year this way because one day, when they think of me, they will wish well for me, and I count them as blessings,” Pallavi said.Measured celebrations Despite this shift toward quieter celebrations, traditional parties remain relevant — though attendance is notably lower. “Compared to earlier years, footfalls are lower. The industry is still expecting a 20–30% spike over a regular weekday, but not the massive surges seen a decade ago. New Year’s remains important, though celebrations are now more measured,” said Ananth Narayan, chapter head, National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI)-Bangalore.According to him, there is a noticeable drop in people stepping out on New Year’s Eve. Rising costs, 10-minute home delivery, traffic concerns, and safety considerations have also contributed. “People haven’t stopped celebrating—but how and where they celebrate has changed significantly.”“The dominant age group at outdoor events and restobars is 23 to 40. This audience prefers organised, safer, and experience-driven celebrations rather than overcrowded party zones, making quality restobars and restaurants their preferred choice,” he added.