In recent years, India’s spiritual landscape has witnessed a significant transformation, with a new generation of spiritual influencers captivating millions through social media platforms. These modern spiritual gurus are redefining traditional spirituality by blending age-old teachings with contemporary trends, making spirituality more accessible and relatable to today’s digital audience.
One prominent figure in this movement is Jaya Kishori, a 29-year-old spiritual speaker and singer from Kolkata. Through her engaging content on platforms like Facebook and YouTube, Kishori addresses topics such as loneliness and friendship, drawing parallels with tales of the Hindu god Krishna. Her relatable approach has garnered her a massive following, with 1.9 million followers on Facebook and 2 million on YouTube. In her videos, she encourages followers to seek genuine friendships and maintain a positive mindset, emphasizing the importance of understanding and meditation in overcoming negative thoughts.
Another notable influencer is Abhinav Arora, a ten-year-old from Delhi who has amassed nearly a million followers on Instagram. Known as the “child saint,” Arora’s day begins at 3:30 am with prayers, and he shares his spiritual journey with his followers. His content resonates with many, bridging the gap between traditional spirituality and modern digital consumption.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years at Prayag in Uttar Pradesh, has played a pivotal role in amplifying the reach of these influencers. The 2025 festival attracted a record 420 million attendees over 42 days, including numerous celebrities and influencers. The event provided a rich source of content for social media, with influencers capturing and sharing their experiences, thus broadening their appeal. The convergence of traditional rituals with modern content creation at such events exemplifies the evolving nature of spirituality in India.
While traditional gurus like Sadhguru have also embraced social media to connect with followers, the rise of these young influencers has sparked discussions about the intersection of traditional spirituality with contemporary trends. Their ability to adapt age-old teachings to modern contexts has made spirituality more relatable, especially to younger audiences who seek authenticity and relevance in digital content.
This fusion of tradition and modernity highlights a broader trend in India’s digital landscape, where cultural and spiritual content is being reimagined to suit contemporary tastes. As social media continues to influence daily life, these modern spiritual gurus exemplify how traditional values can be preserved and propagated through innovative digital storytelling, ensuring that spirituality remains a vital and dynamic aspect of modern Indian society.
