The year was 1981.

Gyan Rajhans, a health and safety engineer, was making a name for himself in his profession in Canada and around the globe.

He was academically and spiritually a scholar. While remaining committed to his profession, he made the bold decision to add an adventure to his life that would shape his destiny. He encapsulated his lifelong love of spirituality in a single word “Bhajanawali”.

Gyan Rajhans embarked on this fascinating journey in his forties. Although it is no longer as aggressive as it once was, the Bhajanawali mission remains a beacon of hope for those who believe in Vedic religion and philosophy.

Many people joined him on this adventure. Some left, and some have left this planet entirely. He remains, as do some of his most fervent supporters, including his family, which now includes children and grandchildren.

Gyan Rajhans, a retired health and safety engineer, still holds the fort at Bhajanawali. He is resolved to do so as long as his favourite deity, Lord Ganesha, blesses him.

Bhajanawali was established as Bhajanawali Devotional Services, a non-profit organization in Canada, in May 1982 with the help of Mr. V B Sharma, a well-known Chartered Accountant in Canada.

It continued broadcasting a radio show about Vedic religion and philosophy produced by Ashok Parihar. It aired live on CJMR AM1320 radio in the Greater Toronto Area every Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). Bhajanawali is on a mission to spread the message of peace and harmony. Bhajanawali has been pursuing this endeavor with heart and soul since  April 1981, based on the rich teachings of Vedic religion.

This program was entirely supported by donations from listeners and supporters. Except for our gratitude to our sponsors, no commercial content has ever appeared in any of our broadcasts. Donors in Canada receive charity donation receipts for tax deductions. Even though it is a non-profit and charity organisation, Bhajanawali has weathered every storm that has threatened its existence and survival. Bhajanawali has survived to this day thanks to Gyan’s determination, the support of the listeners, and the Grace of Lord Ganesha.

Bhajanawali expanded its global reach in 1998 by launching its award-winning website. Despite not being LIVE, the radio broadcast was made available on the website via modern streaming technology. This technology enabled audio content to be delivered quickly and without interruption over dial-up internet connections. The same and more content were eventually made available on Bhajanawali’s YouTube account.

In addition to the weekly broadcasts, the website also featured popular bhajans and discourses. A guestbook displayed comments from visitors from all over the world to our website. Due to lack of funding the radio broadcast ceased in 2007. Online webcasts continued. Now our YouTube channel receives over 10,000 hits every week. More than one special weekly webcast is produced on special occasions. In 2008, for example, 9 webcasts with a complete recitation of Shri Durga Saptashati were produced for each day of Shaardeeya Navaratra.

Bhajanawali currently publishes very little content. This website was relaunched in October 2022 to keep in touch with its global followers and supporters.

Radio Broadcast

Bhajanawali Radio program aired from 1981 to 2007.

It was an hour long show aired every Sunday. Its timing and station was changed a couple of times. It could be heard on the radio in Greater Toronto area and in some extended areas such as Oakville, Ajax etc. depending upon the signal strength of the radio tower. Gyan Rajhans recorded this program every week. This radio show featured bhajans, discourses, interviews with singers and other renowned people.

Webcast

The audio content of the Bhajanawali Radio program was made available online in 1998.

The weekly show was broadcast both online and on the radio. The online webcast was a technological miracle at a time when high-speed internet was only a notion and rarely available. Furthermore, audio files were big in size, making streaming difficult. The website’s development company made it possible by implementing a streaming service, which was a totally new concept in the world. It enabled the rapid and constant streaming of stereo audio content. The webcast remained available after the radio show had ended. Following the end of radio programming in 2007, the webcast became the sole source of Bhajanawali audio content. The content was eventually made available solely on the YouTube channel, Bhajanawali Community.