The COVID-19 lockdowns in India in 2020 disrupted traditional religious practices, pushing many devotees away from temples and personal rituals. In response, priest Mohit Tiwari founded OnlinePujaBooking.com, enabling virtual Hindu rituals via live video. This service, rooted in a need for spiritual connection during isolation, sparked a rise in 'spiritual tech' startups, with over 950 emerging across India, primarily focused on Hindu practices. These platforms leverage technology to offer innovative spiritual experiences, appealing particularly to younger urban audiences and adapting to the needs of a digitally connected generation.
I realized we could do everything virtually whether it is spiritual mantras, offerings or rituals, based on an individual's name and gotra [ancestral lineage]. There was no need for physical presence.
The economy package, priced at ₹7,100 ($84), includes one priest and a three-day ritual - roughly equivalent to a week's wages for a skilled urban worker in India.
Soon people started joining me in the livestream to participate in poojas [worship], he said.
These platforms are reimagining centuries-old religious rituals for the smartphone era - and for urban millennials and Gen Z users who want their spirituality as accessible as possible.
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