Music, dance at Badrinath festival spark row over what is appropriate at shrine
A cultural festival held at Badrinath in September sparked controversy among priests, religious figures, and politicians. The two-day Devbhoomi Cultural Festival-2026, organized by the Army and local administration, was aimed at showcasing Uttarakhand's folk culture. However, videos of amplified music and dancing performances on social media led to criticism.
BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi condemned the event, stating it violated religious and cultural decorum at the holy shrine. The Char Dhams, considered sacred spaces, were questioned for being used for entertainment instead of spiritual activities. The Chamoli district administration clarified its limited role in the event, stating it was the Army that organized and selected the performances.
They emphasized the need to respect the religious and spiritual significance of Badrinath while promoting local traditions.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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