India, June 21 -- M usic, with its universal appeal, is now bridging extremes - from head-banging EDM sets to deeply immersive, soulful renditions. Making a quiet yet powerful comeback is the baithak - the intimate, unplugged musical gathering once synonymous with cultural life in Delhi-NCR. And leading this unexpected revival is a surprising audience: Gen Z. Traditionally hosted in homes or small informal spaces, baithaks are all about forging a direct connection between the artiste and the listener (rasik), between melody and emotion. Though they receded into the background during the pandemic, they are re-emerging across India, especially in Delhi, drawing enthusiastic young listeners in large numbers. "In a world of high-decibel concerts and flashy gigs, a baithak brings a kind of calm that fills the room in a way nothing else can," says Abhinav Arora, founder of the Delhi-based collective Abhinav Ka Sangeet. "What amazes me is how many Gen Z attendees we see - often more than half the room. These are people known for club nights and fast playlists, but here they are, clapping in sync, saying 'Wah wah' at the perfect note and even asking for the backstory behind ragas after performances. That shift gives us a renewed sense of purpose." And it's not just strictly classical. Many curators are consciously blending traditional ragas with contemporary sounds to meet younger ears halfway. "We're witnessing a meaningful shift," says Anubhav Jain, co-curator of IBTIDA - Ek Mehfil, adding, "Young audiences aren't passively consuming culture anymore; they're seeking depth." His co-curator, Tanvi Singh Bhatia, adds, "In our recent 50-seater baithaks, Gen Z has made up nearly 20% of the crowd. What's beautiful is that this interest isn't trend-driven - it's rooted in a genuine craving for emotional and cultural connection." This growing interest is also inspiring artistes to step beyond conventional formats. Delhi-based electronic duo Tech Panda & Kenzani are set to perform at an experimental baithak. "Fusing our music with the essence of a baithak felt like the perfect way to reach new audiences," says Tech Panda aka Rupinder Nanda. "We've reworked our tracks to create something calm and therapeutic-something that still feels electronic, but resonates on a deeper level. That kind of blending is what excites us as artistes." For many young performers too, baithaks are opening up fresh ways to experience classical music. "In our generation, it's all about big rock or pop concerts. But we performed a baithak-style set at a recent college fest, and the vibe was something else," says Tanvi from Dhwani, the Indian Music Society of Lady Shri Ram College, adding, "The hall was packed, and no one wanted to leave! It showed me how even we, with all our modern influences, can connect deeply with this format. In fact, more and more of my friends are discovering it now." (With inputs from Henna Rakheja)...