Punjab: 13 devotees from Banke Bihari Club die; journey that began with kirtan turns tragic

April 12, 2026

Mathura: Thirteen devotees died in a boat accident in Vrindavan. All of them had traveled from Jagraon, Ludhiana, on a religious pilgrimage with the Banke Bihari Club. Surprisingly, the club was founded about nine years ago by two brothers and a friend, and one of them also lost his life in the accident.

The journey began with kirtan

Club founders Yashu Bajaj and Lavi Bahl began performing sankirtan in temples at the age of 16 and 17. Later, Lavi’s brother, Madhur Bahl, also joined them. Together, the three began going door-to-door singing bhajans and kirtans, and gradually, they formed a group.

Club formed 9 years ago, never registered

As their recognition grew, they formed a group called the Banke Bihari Club. This club was not officially registered. Club members describe it as a devotional initiative, not a professional organization. People continued to connect with them through social media.

Organizing Vrindavan Yatra for 5 years

For the past 5 years, this club has been organizing pilgrimages for devotees to Vrindavan. No official permission was required for such trips. Devotees contacted them through social media or acquaintances, and new people joined each time.

Fully arranged for ₹4500

This time, on April 9th, the club took 130 devotees to Vrindavan in two buses. ₹4500 was charged per person, which included all arrangements for travel, food, and accommodation. Devotees were accommodated in hotels or dharamshalas, with two or three people given a room.

Fixed Schedule of the Yatra

The journey was for four days. The bus departed from Jagraon on the evening of April 9th. On the morning of April 10th, everyone arrived in Vrindavan, where after breakfast, the devotees left for temple darshan. Dinner and Sankirtan were to be held in the hotel in the evening. The next day was to visit Nandgaon and Giriraj Ji, and on the fourth day, to Barsana.

But this time, on the second day of the journey, an accident occurred, and this joyous religious journey turned into mourning.