A bhajan night is not a concert and not a puja. It sits between the two, and dressing for it means dressing for a long evening spent sitting, swaying, standing, and singing with strangers. The rule that covers every version: nothing should distract, including you.
Look one: the quiet satsang
A small gathering at someone's home, forty people on the floor, a harmonium, hours of singing. Soft muted cotton in cream, beige, or a faded rose. Loose cut so nothing rides up when you sit. A light stole for the shoulders when the fan is on. Comfortable enough to forget.
Look two: the temple bhajan sandhya
Larger, more formal, often with a known singer on a stage. This is where a white kurta with a fine border earns its place, or a muted festive colour if the evening is tied to a festival. Slip-on footwear, because you will remove it. A cotton stole in saffron or maroon adds occasion without noise.
Look three: the bhajan club night
Urban, younger, loud with love. People dress up. A festival kurta in a strong colour, sleeves rolled, a rudraksha or tulsi mala. Keep the fabric breathable because you will be on your feet for three hours. It is the one bhajan setting where a little shine works.
What to avoid
Anything tight, anything that needs adjusting, anything with a loud print, and anything you would worry about if someone spilled chai on it. The music is the point. Your clothes should let you disappear into it.