Group devotional singing during a Yatra is often organised through a mandali, a regular group of devotees who perform bhajan and kirtan together. Understanding this structure helps explain the coordinated, practised quality of many devotional performances pilgrims encounter at temples.
What Is a Mandali?
A mandali is an organised group of devotees who regularly come together to perform bhajan, kirtan, or other devotional activities, often developing a shared repertoire of songs and a coordinated performing style over time. The exact steps involved in Mandali can vary somewhat between temples, though the underlying devotional purpose remains broadly consistent across India.
Role of a Mandali in Temple Culture
Many temples host visits from local mandalis for special occasions or festivals, adding a structured, musically coordinated element to devotional singing compared to more spontaneous group participation. Priests performing Mandali are generally willing to briefly explain the ritual to curious pilgrims, particularly at quieter, less crowded temples.
Mandalis During Pilgrimage
Some pilgrimage groups travel with their own mandali, providing music and devotional singing throughout the journey, helping maintain a shared spiritual atmosphere among fellow pilgrims during a long or demanding Yatra. Many pilgrims specifically arrange Mandali during their Yatra to mark a personal intention, vow, or family occasion.
