In these days we are seeing Deobandi khalifahs engaging in thikr programmes, naa't sessions and other functions which were unknown to our Akaabir Ulam

Answer

The problem with those who masquerade as shaikhs of tasawwuf is that they are lamentably ignorant of the meaning of Tasawwuf. They themselves have not submitted to a valid programme of Islaah of the Nafs. They have fortuitously bumped into someone who doled out 'khilaafat' to them. Now in order to project an image of 'masheekhat' and 'buzrugiyyat', they invent bid'ah practices which were unknown to the Sahaabah, Taabi-een, Tab-e-Taabieen and the entire Ummah of Fuqaha and the masses down the passage of Islam's 14 century history. In order to promote their trade of 'masheekhat', they peddle customs of bid'ah. The whole scenario of this bid'ah programme is to impress the public and to create a following. In short it is selling the Deen for the dunya.

According to the Hadith, one of the signs of Qiyaamah will be the rise of Juhhaal Ubbaad (ignorant worshippers). This prediction is manifested in the new acts of bid'ah which are being innovated by even men of learning who are supposed to know better.