Cultural fest near Badrinath shrine faces backlash over ‘Bhajan jamming’, violation of norms
A cultural festival held near the Badrinath shrine has drawn criticism from religious leaders and local stakeholders for featuring loud music and performances. Critics argue the event violated the sanctity of the pilgrimage site, while officials maintain it was a community-outreach initiative.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between promoting tourism and maintaining the religious sanctity of sensitive pilgrimage sites in India.
A two-day cultural festival held in the high-altitude town of Badrinath has sparked controversy after videos of a loud, concert-style “ Bhajan Jamming” session circulated on social media, drawing criticism from religious leaders, local stakeholders, and the Opposition Congress.
The Chamoli district administration and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department attributed the organisation of the event to the Indian Army, even as Jyotirmath Shankaracharya criticised the use of loud DJ music and what he described as vulgar and indecent performances near the abode of Lord Vishnu, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
Held on September 19 and 20 at the Tourist Arrival Plaza adjoining the Badrinath temple, at an altitude of over 10,200 feet, the festival was organised around the theme “Our Heritage, Our Future.”
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