Uttarakhand bans loud sound systems near Badrinath Dham temple, other religious sites in Chamoli
Officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance, with legal action to be taken against organisers or committees violating the order.
The Chamoli district administration in Uttarakhand has recently imposed a ban on loud sound systems near the revered Badrinath Dham temple and other religious sites within the district, effective immediately. This decision came after objections raised by citizens, including religious leaders, devotees, and civil society members, against a recent musical festival held near the Badrinath shrine.
The festival, named the Devbhoomi Cultural Festival 2026, took place on September 19 and 20 at a newly developed tourist arrival plaza close to the temple.
District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar directed that any event organized near religious and cultural sites, including the Badrinath Dham, must obtain prior permission from the local administration. Only the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate will have the authority to grant such permission, with no other department or official allowed to do so. This measure is set to be strictly enforced, with legal action awaiting any violations.
Citizens, religious leaders, and devotees voiced their concerns over the festival, arguing that it compromises the sanctity of the temple. Ashutosh Dimri, president of Teerth Shri Badri Dham Dharmic Panchayat, emphasized that Badrinath serves as a significant spiritual center for Hindus worldwide. He proposed alternative event formats, such as bhajan sandhyas or traditional religious performances, which would not tarnish the temple's sanctity.
The organizers and state authorities clarified that the festival was a collaborative effort between the Chamoli district administration and the Army under Operation Sadbhavana, aimed at promoting cultural integration and socio-economic development.
The official theme of the festival was "Our Heritage, Our Future." Sunil Purohit, executive officer of Badrinath Nagar Panchayat, explained that the event was not a commercial entertainment program but rather an official initiative promoting civil-military cooperation and socio-economic integration. It was held at the outer tourist arrival plaza, away from the inner temple area, to foster connections between military personnel stationed at high-altitude forward posts along the Line of Actual Control and residents of remote Himalayan border villages.
Former Badrinath Dham Dharmadhikari Bhuvan Chandra Uniyal stressed that future events should align with the heritage of the religious town, ensuring its religious sanctity remains intact.
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