Music, dance at Badrinath festival spark row over what is appropriate at shrine

The Devbhoomi Cultural Festival-2026 held at Badrinath from September 19-20 sparked controversy over the appropriateness of amplified music and dancing performances at the revered shrine. The festival, organized by the Army in collaboration with local authorities, aimed to showcase Uttarakhand’s folk culture and traditions. However, critics including BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi, religious figures, and activists like Anoop Nautiyal have raised concerns, arguing that the use of loud music and dancing contradicts the shrine's religious and cultural decorum.

The Chamoli district administration clarified its role was limited to facilitating the event, stating that the Army organized the cultural performances and decided their format.

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